South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-02-25
"Bolsheoikii = and
"Pro-Gernlanism" in
Capitol ParIance
BY HORACE H. HERR.


WASHINGTON, Feb. 22.-Assert-
ing IL has come 10 pass in America
that "bolsheviki" and "pro-German"
are terms carelessly tossed about
with no more excuse than honest
differences of opinion and the exer-
else Of traditional American rights,
Sen. Johnson Of California, in a re-
cent address in the senate, threw
some light on the abundance OF boil
sheviki talk coming out of Washing
ton.
II you are a woman and do not
agree with the mandates of high
society" on the proper length and
width Of skirrs-theS are back TO
the hobbies now-insofar as the
beau monde is concerned, you are a
lady bolsheviki II democrats too
stubbornly resist the drive TO turn
the reconstruction activities over TO
the special interests, the latter set
up a howl about the bolsheviki and
the pro-Germans. If republicans of
the Lodge type get too obstreperous
in their efforts to embarrass me rep
resentatives who are working for
league Of nations, some of the oppo-
sition is bound TO yield to the temp
tation TO brand some one as a pro
German" or a ''bolsheviki."
Much OF Sen. Johnson's sentiments
found approval alike in the hearts of
considerable element in the national
congress regardless of political align
mcnts. In the course of his remarks
he said:
The sort of intolerance now
prevailing is that if a man on
the floor OF the United States
senate utters an American senti-
ment. by that very token he is
called pro- German or bolshevist
or some other epithet that is
sent TO the country by the press,
and perhaps the very epithet
may be whispered on the floor of
this chamber To be an
American today with the people
is again respecta BILE. but in the
minds of some distinguished
gentlemen to be an American
seems TO afford an invitation for
denunciation as bolshevist, pro-
German. or in some other out
rageous fashion"
Sen. Johnson. though talking to
the subject of his resolution asking
for the withdrawal from Russia of
American troops and a statement Of
cur policy in Russia. discloses what is
being done to those who are advO-
eating such progressive measures as
are in the interests of the average
men and women of the country.
Much Of the bolsheviki talk eman-
atcs from special interests who have
run out OF excuses and arguments
and. in order TO camOuhage their
selfish ends, attempt to divert at
tention by crying bolshevism.
on the floor Of the senate. but a
few days ago, one senator who has
/ been especially vicious in his oppo-
/ sition TO the league Of nations prop
I osition. went so far as 10 insinuate
/ that the president of the United
/ States i'm his work in Paris was, in
! fact championing the bolsheviki
/ philosophy.
1t is well known in Washington
that the special interests and big
business men are much excited lest,
I'm these days of reconstruction.
such legislation will be enacted a.
viii curtail their ancient eXploita
tons Of the nation. Even Sec'y %
commerce Redield's activities TO gef
together a sane, experienced bust
ness committee to go into the price
question, hasn't escaped the bolshe-
Xxi charge although the secretary s
plan is in the best interest of gen
erat business and promises some re-
lief for the thousands of consumers
who have been carrying about or
their backs for two or three year
the old man of the sea-High Cost OF
Living.
The charge Of bolshevism and pro
Germanism is being used mos,
subtly to hinder such reconstruc-
ton work as is essential to the coun
try for the next year or two.
EiDCT IM TUE MCMgC TIME