Montpelier examiner. [volume] (Montpelier, Idaho) 1895-1937, 1919-01-03
WIPE OUT IMPERIOUs PRECE-
DENTS OF WAR.


precedent OF war. ! not only want /
to see them of the statute books,
but want to see them forgotten as
precedents and eliminated from our
political system" An overwhelm-
ing majority OF the people are like
wise in favor OF doing that, and they
will support every effort Senator Bor-
an or any one else makes toward
that end. Any law which keeps the
people in the dark concerning what
is being done, or operates to restrict
the freedom of lawful discussion is,
in peace time, at least an lnexcusable
offense to a democratic people. What
it may be wise and necessary to do to
serve the interests Of war is not .
precedent for peace time, but It will
acquire the force of precedent II 1t
is tolerated long after the war has
ended. Particularly ought there to
be an immediate end to all forms and
degrees Of censorship. Against the
principle OF censorship an enlightened
and robust democracy must make
an unreIenting and incorporating
war. and be intolerant of all argu-
ments and excuses that are advanced
in favor of its continuance in times OF
peace.
A concrete instance Of the. crea-
tions developed by the emergency
that ought to be forthwith termina-
ted is that OF the National Security
league, which is being investigated
by congress. This league claims a
semi-judiciaI status by reason OF
working with the federal department
Of justice, although 1t is Of purely
voluntary origin and has no power
save such as 1t exerts by private
pressure. The reason 1t is being In
vestigated is because OF having used
its influence In the recent campaign
for or against various candidates.,
members OF congress making com
plant of having been attacked be-
cause OF their votes, which were cast
as they say, conscientiously and in
the public interest, although perhaps
not In accordance with the views Of
the directing head of the league. The
league announces that 1t proposes to
continue it's activities in the future
and 1t probably has a right to do 50,
but II so some means should be found
OF divesting It, and other like war
organizations, of its governmental
connection and the prestige Of its
previous functions. The original
purpose OF the league was that OF es.
piOnage, to find something thai
might reflect on the loyalty of citi-
gems and to hold everyone. even
members OF congress to It's own con
ceptions of right and wrong in tbs
relations growing out of the war
The league did not and could moi
discriminate upon the various arbi
trary, prodigal or futile measures
presented by the Washington hure
ancracy for enactment into law, II
order to enhance Its own department
tai power and prerogative. but de
Inanded implicit support by congress
men OF all such measures, under pen
atty Of aEarting backfires at home
against members who opposed o.
questioned any OF such proposals
Some members we're strong enough
to resist. TO tell the truth, to demand
the truth and to hold the bueauc
Tacy responsible for its wicked
wastes. negligences and subterfuges
and as q result the nation procures
better service and better results anC
has been spared countless lives ant
some part Of It's natural heritag
and its opportunity II this league
however. may have accomplished
some trifie OF good by discovering
acme latent 4Germanism and b.
repressing potential error. infatua
ton, folly or ignorance in that direc
tionss such time has passed Their
Is 40 place left on this continent 70
the parpetuation OF such organizs
tions. policies or purposes. It 10 tim
that citizens, their business and thei
character should be restored to tn
protection OF the Law and Of the prop
critics and no longer be made the foot
bail Of various sorts or sentimental
lists and crusaders, or worse. the wa
has brought TO the front and t
whom It has given leave and licenss
It Is time, as Senator Borah says. t
wipe from the statute books ever
arbitrary measure and every impel
ious precedent, and to see them fol
gotten az presidents and eliminate
from our political system. -Lewisto
Tribune.