Evening star., 1935-12-08
DEMANDS OUST|NG
RED PROPAGANDA
FOR AMER|CAN|SM
Civic Group Resolution for
Substitute Program
in Schools.
THOROUGH INQUIRY
IN SITUATION ASKED
Modern History" by Becker and
Other Texts Discussed With
Educators.

Elimination of all "communistic
propaganda" from the public schools
and substitution Of a program of en-
lightenment on the underlying prin-
ciples of the American Government
was demanded last night by the Fed
Grafton Of Citizens Associations.
There was brisk debate, with but one
voice heard which questioned whether
texts and other material employed in
class studies actually gave . pro-
communist slant TO the topic. The
vote on the action was unanimous.
Action came on a report by Georg7
E. Sullivan Of steps taken by the EX-
ecutive Committee of the federation.
which has appeared before the Board
of Education to discuss desirability
of elimination from the courses OF
Modern History" by Carl L. Becker
and other texts "of like. character.
The committee also has urged giving
a clear and informative definition
of communism and its evil and afro
cious aims and purposes" Thorough
and speedy investigation Of the full
nature and extent" of communistic
propaganda in the schools also was
sought by the group.
Against Propaganda.
The resolution adopted last night
reads:
BE it resolved by the Federation Of
Citizens Association Of the District
of Columbia. that it strongly indorses
and commends the steps recently in
augurated, and which are being con-
tinued, by its Executive Committee
looking into the complete elimination
from the public schools of the District
of Columbia all communistic propa-
ganda.
BE it further resolved, that this
federation urges and advocates the
immediate substitution, in place OF
such communistic propaganda, of
thorough program of the enlighten-
ment of all the pupils of the public
schools as to the underlying princi-
pies of this great Republic, established
/ by our forefathers at great sacrifice,
| also as to how justice is established.
happiness and welfare of the people
promoted, and the blessings of liberty
secured thereby, and further, as to
how Communism seeks to mislead and
beguile the immature and unenlight-
ened to give up our priceless heritage
and to accept instead bondage under
the Bolsheviks"
Copies of the resolution were or
dered sent to the Board Of Education
and to the Senate and House District
Committees of Congress.
One-sided Information.
Harry N. Stull. first vice president
of the federation and the chairman Of
its Education Committee. declared the
main point of opposition was use OF
books that pretend merely to bring the
theory of communism before pupils
but which in reality produce the bright
side without adding anything to of ..
set what American citizens regard as
dangerous.
Stull charged there are certain
organizations sponsored by COM
munistS or the Third Internationale
adroitly at work to appeal to Adde'S
cents. He mentioned the Young Pho
neers as group which sought mem
bers among children Of school age Dy
urging free lunches for them. He said
he believed the Board of Education
would take proper steps to correct
communistic propaganda.
Mrs. Harvey W. Wiley, delegate
from the Kalorama Heights Citizens
Association, said there were sections
in the Becker test which Offset sec
tions appearing to favor communist
government you can take sentences
from the Bible which would diStort
the meaning of a passage" she said
She said there should be trust in the
Board of Education and faith in the
teachers.
Edwin S. Hege Of Chevy Chase,
praising the work by Sullivan, said
studies of texts relating TO commun-
ism show such passages are susceptible
Of but one interpretation-that they
were "laudatory of communism" y
Effect of Expression.
Mrs. Marie Flynn Maddox OF Co
Iunbia Heights declared: IF had
no other facts than those presented
in the Becker text I would be leo
to favor communism"
The street car and bus companies
should be compelled to bear their
share of the cost of actual work OF
removal Of snow from streets they
use, the federation declared in adopt
ing a motion offered by william NICK
Clayton, veteran chairman Of the
Public Utilities Committee. He pro-
posed the cost be on a basis Of the
portion Of the streets used by the
utilities.
The federation ordered a restudy,
for consideration at the next meeting,
Of a proposal to amend the constitu-
ton and bylaws to provide for an
nual election of officers and delegates
to the federation In May, instead Of
the Fall. One question was whether
a citizens association might "legiS-
late" officers Of the federation out OF
Office due to the fact the constituent
bodies hold their elections in the Fall.
The point was that the federation
president, or other officer. might not
be reelected delegate while holding
a federation Office.
Committee Officers.
President Thomas z. Lodge an
nounced appointment Of officers Of
standing committees of the federation
for the new year as follows:
Law and Legislation, George E. Sui
livan, chairman; Charles L. Norris.
vice chairman; Public Utilities, Will
liam NICK Clayton, chairman; Buro
w. Payne, vice chairman; Public
Health, DR.. G B. Campbell, chairman:
Mrs. Elizabeth T. Sullivan, vice chair
man; Highways, Parks and Water
ways, Arthur Adelman, chairman;
Elaine Eppley. vice chairman; Educa-
tion, Harry N. Stull, chairman; Mrs.
.(See FEDERATION, Page B-2l