The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-02-07

by MT. DePaStino, whose statement in full reads as follows:
 The serious attitude of the Wa terbury Republican-A American in the present movement of local American citizens to take action on it's editorial policy, which is considered hostile towards Italy, and with a view of preparing American sentiment in favor of an alliance with other foreign countries, being now carried on, is gradually turning into one of personalities.
 It now appears that it is be- coming a matter of struggle be- tween individuals controlling the wealthy and powerful Republican American interests against a group of American citizens who are trying to carry out the principles of real AmericaniSm, that is, that as Americans we must mind our own business.
 The Waterbury Republican, American newspapers, justify their hostile attitude towards the gov- ernment of birth or extraction of the largest racial nucleus of To- cal residents, upon their loyalty and zeal to the American prin- ciples of democracy, which includes a free press. The constitution al- so provides for freedom of speech, does it not?
 We, having no press must satis- fly ourselves by our only remain ing medium, the freedom of speech, and the representatives of the Republican-American know that we no longer lack those who can speak. But the public can now compare the contrast for itself.
 We have tried in civil and po- lite ways to persuade those papers to desiSt from concen- trating their criticism against a friendly nation, former ally of the World war, with whom Amer ca has only reason to be on the best of relations. We have never entered into personalities except as to denote the probable reason for prejudice against Italy. Neith- CT have we attempted illegal or unmmoral methods.
 The possibility of referring the methods to the scrutiny of grand jury, and other proper or improp- CT allusions were carefully avoid ed. In our proper exercise of free dom of speech we are attempt ing to defend our own rights as Americans to be free from propa- ganda similar to that which led us in the World war. Is such ac- tion un-American?
 Now as to the so-called defend- CTS of American democracy, new element is coming into it which the public will be aware of. They are trying to discredit the persons involved in the movement and its motive, by making mountains out of mole hills.
 We must now be guarded as to what we say or do within the law because it appears that we are constantly being watched by a staff of paid newspaper reporters act ing in the capacity of private de- tectives, whose apparent business is to make sure that we toe the line.
 Freedom of speech to our inter pretation means to speak your mind free from fear or influence. Therefore, one can interpret their system to compare as near as pos Sible to the form of government which they pretend to detest.
 Why can't such effort and in- terest in the moral and mental oppression and persecution of a class of working people, be con- verted to the welfare of our own citizens? And why can't the effort spent in criticising foreign gov- ernment be spent in trying to en- act laws pertaining to our own welfare?
 We are not asking much. We are asking that criticism of the Ital- ian government cease. And that the movement to have this country allied to a foreign country cease. We are not criticiSing any foreign government, or nation, and are directly concerned in the welfare of the American people alone.
 AS Americans we want to enjoy the goodwill of all races.
 That is an American privilege which we are trying to uphold and no grand jury can indict us for 1t.
 There is nothing personal or or political involved in this is sue, it is a matter of idealism,
 hope that the management ot the Waterbury Republican-Amer- ican will find way to treat it as such and show their good will to all American citizens without regard to race ore creed. We ap- preciate their offer to print news for us without discrimination and regret their resentment at our using a competitive paper.
 Even that is an American priv ilege which we exercise without expecting to be crucified for it. I have never had resentment against any local newspaper nor