Willmar tribune. [volume] (Willmar, Minn.) 1895-1931, 1920-01-14

Lawson's editorial cuticle to such an
an extent that he goes to the length
of nearly three columns in a frantic
effort to answer us and to have his
innocence of our charge that he resort
ed to silence editorially as an eXped-
lent to avoid giving the Townley outfit
his approval openly and above board.
This would permit him to reap the
financial benefit and at the same time
maintain, if possible a portion of his
self respect at least 1t was our opin-
ion that he was forced into such a
position by the report that ToWnley
was to establish paper in every cOun-
ty seat town.
We are going to take it back now
Instead we will state that Editor Law
son went over to Socialism at the
start. He swallowed it, hook, line and
sinker and since he has declared him
self editorially, we know that we were
wrong in our first surmise.
1t is characteristic with the usual
run of Townley polparrott editors that
whenever they are cornered they be-
gin to SWIVEL about the insults to
the farmer movement" and they take
refuge behind the farmer from which
haven of refuge they snarl at you with
bristling back and barred teeth. Edi-
tor Lawson exhibits these traits and
instead of giving us a direct answer
he prates about the farmer move
ment" as if socialism was any friend
of the farmer or a credit to decent,
outspoken Americanism.
The Dispatch did not and never has
accused the rank and file of member
ship of the Nonpartisan League of
anti-American or seditious activities.
We have repeatedly and do now state,
that the leaders Of the movement are
and have been proven disloyal, sedi-
tious and un-American. 1t is a mat
ter of record that the organizers were
instructed to go out and talk against
the war but be careful about it." 1t is
possible that an attitude of this kind
found ready sympathy with our friend
Lawson. Townley himself has been
convicted as we'll as number of his
most trusted ieutenants. They make
no secret any longer of the fact that
they are Socialists. and as such they
have taken the I. w. w. as co-workers
and fellow conspirators into their
circle. This is also a matter of re-
cord in number of federal courts
Editor Lawson knows this if he dares
to admit it, He also knows the war
history of all Socialists and the word.
ing of their famous St. Louis platform
Editor Lawson is regarded in his
community as an immaculate saint
the soul of honor and virtue. Can he
uphold the socialistic program and
maintain his virtue? Can he uphold
their war record and call himself ar
American? Can he subscribe to their
teachings and maintain his respect for
religion and his profession as a Chris
tian?
1t is to these questions we called
for Eyes" or mo" answer. Don't
bubble. Don't bluff. Don't buster
The time is fast approaching when
you will not be able to camouf1age OF
conceal yourself behind the coat tail
of your farmer friends. They them
selves will drag you forth and ask
you for an accounting. There will be
no chance to equivocate, to stall, to
plead and excuse.
The answer will have to be just
plain Eyes" or mo" -Dassel Dispatch
Henke admits that the rank and
file of the Nonpartisan League are as
loyal and decent citizens as any other,
but states the "the leaders are and