The Waterbury Democrat., 1935-02-09

wanted to know the background of the movement.
 Birt Explains
 Chairman Birt read letter from Grand Exalted Ruler Michael F. shannon, prominent Los Angeles, Cal, attorney in which the move- ment is outlined in brief. MT Shan- mons letter explained that there are no laws of the kind needed to stamp out those agencies seeking the overthrow of the government.
 Secretary Smith and MT KimbalI expressed fear that the American principles of free speech would be endangered by a movement such as the one proposed. Mir Smith said, T agree with any move to build up greater loyalty to the gov. ernment but fear this will have the opposite effect" He read parts of the Declaration of Independence giving rights to the people to al- ter or abolish existing forms of government and also read the first amendment giving the people the right of free speech and the rirh. Of assemblage to demand redress of grievances.
 It IS un-American," he said. to abridge the freedom of the speech. we do not need to fear commun- ism in Waterbury. Out of 3O.OO0 votes cast in the last election. only lS1 were cast for the communist party" ""'''
 MT smith said he was proud to De resident of Waterbury where the Mutual Aid system was being so ably carried out and in clos;np complimented Mir Harris, director Of the Mutual Aid for his results here. ''''s
 Chalrman Birt in response to Mir smiths statements explained inc movement was not something being sponsored entirely alone bv inc Waterbury lodge of Elks hut ono | which 1,40O lodges in America we're sponsoring.
 He called upon Judge McGratb Who said he believed in the prin- cipies or free speech but did not tnlnk those principles carried the Iight 10 advocate the overthrow of the government by forse. He said recent reports indicate that there is an insidious boring from with m Tn certain colleges of America. through m a ken intellecutals wno: without realizing it, are fur Lherlng the aims of the Commun;st propogandists. He mentioned the local campaign of the Communists 10 start classes among school chil- dren. He told of pictures drawn in hussia, and distributed to children showing that Christ is responsible Tor the misery of the world today
 No Danger.
 MT klmball thought further study should be given the plan perore going into 1t. He said he IS opposed to Communism or any Kind of ism" but felt there was little danger of it here.
 Attorney Scully agreed that there might be little danger now but thought it unwise to wait until dangerous arrives before talking against it. He said he was violently opposed to the stand talk en by MT Smith and pointed out that the movement must have been i gwen careful consideration before being advocated by such organiza- | tions as the U. s. Chamber of Commerce, the American Legion and the grand lodge of Elks. He agreed it was proper for people to advocate the overthrow of the government by peaceful means, such as the ballot system, but ad- vocacy of the government by force Is another proposition.
 Delays Dangerous.
 Mir Harris and MT Green men, toned Comrttunist activities in oth- CT parts of the country, and while agreeing that nothing of any dan ger has arisen here 1t Is not sen- sible to wait until the menace has become entrenched. MT Green said he was not speaking as secretary of the Chamber of Commerce but as a citizen. He said that U. $. Chamber of Commerce would not recommend the movement if 1t were not necessary.
 Chairman Birt said the present Is to provide money to enforce existing laws and legisla- ion that will be enacted, keeping ln-American movements, in check. Petitions were passed out to those In attendance and a request that hey be returned with signatures not later than Feb. goth, MT Birt said the petitions will be forward ed to headquarters where they will DC added to the petitions secured by other lodges and forwarded to Washington. Representatives of veterans and civic organizations and their auxiliaries were present.
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