The news scimitar. (Memphis, Tenn.) 1907-1926, 1919-04-21
NEBRASKA TAKES
STEPS TO PROFIT
BY WARLESSONS
Two Statutes Passed by Leg
iSIature to Counterfeit Alien
Enemy Progress in State
Due to Conflict.
BY DAVID LAWRENCE.
(The News ScImltar's Special corre-
spOnAont,O

ne views SctmltaF'S special Corre-
spon9ant.)
OMAHA, Neb. April 21.-Nebraska
a Just taken a step which shows that
while the war ended six months ago
some OF the lessons taught by war have
rot been forgotten or ignored but on
the contrary have been written into law.
When the United States decided on
hostilities Nebraska, like other states
and communities, began to inspect her
population to discover the main sources
Of sympathy with Germany. Out Of n
population Of 1900, 900 more than 800, 900,
and a large percentage born in central
Europe, or one man out of II. was an
alien enemy. Also It was discovered
that school we're in existence where
English was never taught. German was
he language spoken. Other schools as
well were conducted in Danish, Swed-
ish and Bohemian. Most of these were
parochial schools maintained either by
Lutherans or Catholics, Now two laws
have been passed OF such far-reaohing
Importance to the Americanization OF
America that other states surely will
be interested in them,
Two New Laws.
First there is the foreign language
Seman law and second the parochial
and private schools act. Those prohibit
the teaching of any foreign language
In either public or private schools In
this state below the seventh grade.
Parochial and private schools are re-
quired to maintain a curse equivalent
to that Of the public schools. lnspec-
tors In all aOhOnla muat ha partifica ted
Religious instruction In any foreign
language Is forbidden except on Sat-
urday and Sunday; any religion may
be taught In the English language on
any day of the week In private or paro-
chial but not In the public schools.
All schools are under the jurisdiction
OF the state superintendent of educa-
ton. No foreign language can be used
In public gatherings except In lodges
n churches. This eliminates the for
eign tongue in the spellbinder and Is
as effective a blow as has been struck
anywhere In America against the Rus
sian agitators and Bolshevists who have
been working in different parts Of the
country. The can harangue all they
like In Omaha; they believe In free
speech out here and they have I. w,
WIS and nonpartisan leaguers and what
not-but 1t must be English language
These laws were enacted by a Re-
publican legislature which simply met
the demand of the Americans In the
state that the children of those who
make their residence here shall not be
permitted to grow up without being
taught the English language or Ameri-
can Institutions. The legislature Is con.
sidered radical In many respects, but
In this 1t has met the wishes Of al
parties. OF course, the private schools
OF both Protestant and Catholic demon.
nations did not want to be under con.
troll of the state, but there was no dis.
elimination In favor Of either, all were
in the same boat, so no religious issue
has come out Of the new legislation.
II Nebraska Is a pacific community anC
did not want to be involved in the wal
but Is second to none in what wal
done In support OF the war once de,
clared. The league of nations Is very
popular. Folks did not stop to analyzC
the first draft of the covenant. TheN
did not pick 1t to pieces. They slmpl!
thought its object ana purpose goot
and were for 1t. Gradually, as tn,
wave Of criticism Of the eastern sea
board reached here, some persons wer,
In doubt about the league amendment
which were talked of. But no real oppo
sition ever existed to the covenant an,
1t Is q safe statement that the peopl
In Nebraska would have voted for tn
first covenant as against no covenant
Senators Hitchcock and Norris kney
whereof they spoke.
Government Plan.
Government ownership Of railroads /
popular or unpopular, dependent upo
the class OF people interviewed. TIL
business interests and shippers ar
against 1t though lately there has bee
a noticeable diminution in the com
plants against the service. But tn
mass of the people, including labor ger
orally and the railroad workmen, ar
strong for 1t, and 1t is going to h
pretty hard for any Republican candl
date In the next presidential electio
to advocate any return of the railroad
to a prewar basis. They have the fec
ing that the public was gouged undt
private ownership, and only such pre-
posals as will absolutely safeguard Il
public viii gain attention In thes
parts.
President Wilson Is still very muC
respected, but some or the halo vii
which he used to be enveloped has d
!. parted. Since the war ended there HI
been moro criticism than ever befor
although much of the presidents mi
takes and trouble are attributed to SUI
ordinates, Democrats are enthusiast
for him OF course, and some are mo
even Intense in their worship. Maj
Republicans, too, still believe IN NJ
wilson's philosophy and altogether l.
stand at the peace conference has Ike
his prestige above par with the raj
and file.
This state oseillates between Dem
cratic and Republican electoral CONT
buttons in presidential year and OPT
ion is so divided that no n could s.
definitely that Nebraska was o
or the other as 1t would seem to
possible In Indiana, Ohio or Illinois,
Contentment, OF course, never W
come till the millennium does. But I
farmers In this region are prospero
and have planted a large acreage
wheat. Farm labor is scarce, as Is cleI
cal help in the cities, Particularly
there a shortage of unskilled labor, 1
which 40 cents IN hour, an unpreceder
ed rate for this section, is being offer'
Skilled labor Is indemand. Incidental
there Is a house famine here as els
where, During the last 20 years oma
has built m average OF $500 homes, /
building has been neglected for about
years on account OF the cost of m
terials, Rents are high and no mC
seems TO be done here than In other c
les to solve this problem. Everybody
waiting for the price of materials
drop but as for opportunity and PR
perity. the famous slogan Of Hors
Greeley never seemed moro aproI
than today, Soldiers In the East, VIII
YOU get through your vacation and WI
to begin work again, Go west"