The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1920-08-10
''THEED|T0R AND
A|MER|CAN|SM'

Tor and hmef1Cdn1Sm was Icau Dy
Guy Flenner, we'll known Boise news
paper man at gathering of Repub-
ton editors held at HALEY, August
and 8.
Americanism is something like sal
vation-we do not think much about
it until we get up against it. None
Of us denies the diety. but most of
us do not become supplicants to the
throne of mercy until we are in dis
tress. 1t is so with Americanism.
When the country is assailed or it
becomes part of body moving for
ward to enforce the demands of an
oppressed civilization, we worship fer
vently at the shrine draped with the
folds Of Old Glory; but when the
boom of guns is no longer heard the
dispatches no longer TEEN with bat
tie reports, when we have resumed
normal conditions we lapse into a
measure Of negligence as to the duties
we so enthusiastically and vehement
" undertook during the period of
stress.
It is quite desirable that we re-
sumo tranquil state Of mind so soon
as conditions permit it but we may
fall into the error Of also putting
out the fires dismissing the guard and
inviting feeling of false security
while enemies emboldened by our
negligence and apathy skulk nearer
and nearer to the temple of our ma
tional safety.
We never cease to be vigilant at
the portals of our homes or the gates
of business or at the rallying grounds
of our social religious and educational
life. Why should not the same mea-
sure of fidelity be exhibited along the
broad avenue of Americanism any
obstruction on which disrupts do
mesticity, paralyzes business and
blocks progress?
We all know there is set of men
in this country continually striving to
throw the people off their balance.
They undertake by devious and often
clever means to lead them into the
weed-grown fields of discomfort and
from there into the morass of Social
ism. Bolshevism and anarchy. These
instrumentalities never resist; their
agitators never grow weary; their
more clever Representatives never
cease the invention Of devices to
cause disorder; their newspapers never
s issue without articles as seductive as
they are fallacious and violent in
tended to arouse class hatred and un-
derminet the pillars of constitutional
government. These agencies realize
the potency of perpetual propaganda
They welcome from the other side the
scornful silence as to their real pur
pose and their association but the,
also welcome attention based on theil
attacks and slurs and falsehoods pu,
out purposely to invite heated repl,
as to nonessentials that are mere dus,
raisers to screen real objects and op.
erations. This is point think ever,
editor who stands against radicalisu
should bear in mind to the end thai
he be not drawn into controversies.
suitable to the purposes Of these
crafty propagandists
II is true that it is the part of wis,
dom to disregard the mere rawlings Of
the red; but We certainly cannot fai
to. recognize the dangers lurking il
subtle doctrines advocated with cum
ming persistency and brazen IMMUNITY
So tar as the people are concerned
there IS no question as to their funda'
mental loyalty or their underlying op.
position to such preachments; but the
criticism is not that they do not rusr
IN to stop the advance of the forest
hre that suddenly bursts into ravaginQ
proportions but that they give toe
little heed to the flaming match Of
radicalism in the dry grass of a craft.
lily manufactured discomfort.
What then, is the duty of the edito,
in the face of these conditions. If i,
should be urged that his column:
should blaze each issue with turgie
appeal, caustic criticism or damnini
denunciation should not agree with
the contention. There are times, O.
course. when there should be suci
keen analysis as to make it plain tina
black is black. and white is white
and red is red. But my advice wouls
be the adoption of a consistent ans
continuous policy of education, speak
ing broadly and granting the necessity
of striking hard on occasion.
1t is possible that some editors be
lieve they will surfeit their reader.
with persistent educative writing.
along any line. / hardly think tina
It would be the case with relation t.
the subject of Americanism. If i
were. then vigilance is no longer tn,
price of liberty, the duties imposet
upon US by the founding fathers wer,
an irksome burden and the watchful
ness enjoined was borne of their va
perish, foolish fears.
The judgment of the editor, too
may at times be influenced by unrec
ognized representatives of the yer,
agencies he most detests and which. !
IN the open, would meet his deathles
opposition. 1t is only added evidenc,
OF the necessity of keeping the publ,