The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-03-06

our country from leaders in every walk in life, from eminent leaders and members of our national con- gress comes warnings and cornsels to clean house and make imme- diate and adequate defense against possible and probable aggressors.
 It may be of interest to many of our Connecticut citizens to know that our representative from the fifth congressional district, the Hon. J. Joseph Smith, member of of the very important military af- fairs committee and close stu dent of international trends does not dismiss this alien propaganda's harmless gestures and bombast. In communication addressed to the writer, dated Feb. 27th, 1888, MT. Smith says in part:-"- In the meantime I am in agreement with you that the spread of pro- paganda which tends to break down our democratic traditions and introduce un-American prej- udice and antagonisms into our national life is dangerous. think that the United American as an organization, and all clear thinking citizens individually or in concert, can perform service of historic importance at this time by a vigilant and vigorous program of education, publicity and old fashioned AmericaniSm. By that I mean unceasing exer- tion in defense of democratic pro- cedure in our laws and our every day thinking. I mean the de- nunciation of such poisonous doc trines as anti-Semitism, religious prejudice, falsehood in stating public issues. mean a tireleSs campaign for decency in interna- tional relations, truthfulness in discussion of questions affecting our people and our form of gov- ernment.
 I think it is now plain that governments have to contend with a new refinement and elab- oration of the art of propaganda. In any case it appears true that on the continent of Europe pro- paganda has been actually used as an instrument of aggression, frequently as effective as direct military action. This develop ment cannot be ignored by the United States. We cannot afford to leave our land undefended against propaganda any more than we would against military force While some measures will undoubtedly be possible as a means of curbing and deflecting propaganda, it is the duty of every American to interest him. self now, as never before in spreading the gospel of democra- cy, mission which is, in essence, a counter attack against subver- sive propaganda.
 hope the United Americans will continue to be a force for the maintenance of vigilant public opinion dedicated to the revival of living spirit of democracy. l can conceive of no finer purpose at this juncture of our national life" Signed J. Joseph Smith.
 That this American spirit re- fleets the thoughts of majority of our national representatives is borne out by their action in vot- ing to continue the Dies Commit tee on n-American activities and alien propaganda.
 There is little more to be said at this time except to assure the thousands of Connecticut citizens who petitioned for legislation to prohibit these anti-American ac- tiv;ties that we have kept faith, we have presented such bills to our Legislature and we shall con-
 inue as citizens of Connecticut o do all in our power to prevent
 ne spread of subversive alien
 ropaganda in this State.
 GEO. A. HOLMES, Pres.
 The United Americans
 ~ T -a.- a.a.s a1t uar,