Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1939-05-18
A Dove OF Peace
And Happiness

The editorial published here
with is not original with the edi-
torial department of the ASkov
American, but fits perfectly with
the editorial policy of this news
paper, which always espouses pa
triotism and attempts to uphold
and upbuild the democratic form
of government. The editorial was
written last year by R. G.. Calvert
and published in the Portland
Oregonian Oct. 2, 1888. 1t won
the Pulitzer prize, the highest
award in journalism.
The editorial follows:
In this land of ours, this America,
the man we choose as leader dons at
no time uniforms or insignia to de-
note his constitutional position as
commander-in-chief of armed forces.
No member of his cabinet, no civil
subordinate, ever attireS himself in
garments significant of military
power.
In this land of ours, this America,
the army that he has not learned to
distinguish between a major and a
lieutenant from his shoulder straps
When the chief executive addresses
his fellow countrymen they gather
about him within handclasp distance
Goose-stepping regiments are not pa
raded before him. When he speaks
to the civilian population it is not
over rank upon rank of helmeted
heads
In this land of ours, this America,
there is no tramp of military boots
to entertain the visiting statesman.
There is no effort to Albright him
with display of mobile cannon or of
facilities for mass production of aerial
bombers.
In this land of ours, this America,
there is no fortiication along the sew
eral thousand miles of the northern
border. In the great fresh water
seas that partly separate it from an
other dominion no naval craft plies
the waters. Along the southern Dor
der there are no forts, no show of
martial strength.
In this land of ours, this America,
no youth is conscripted to labor on
devices of defense; militay training
he may take or leave at option. There
is no armed force consistent with a
policy of aggression. The navy is
built against no menace from the
western hemisphere, but wholly for
defense against that which may
threaten from Europe or Asia.
In this land of ours, this America,
one-third of the population is for
eign born, or native born of foreign
or mixed parentage. Our more nu-
merous "minorities" come from ii ma
tons. The native born, whatever his
descent, has all political and other
rights possessed by him who traces
his ancestry to the founding fathers.
The foreign born of races that are
assimilated are admitted to all these
privileges if they want them. We
have "minorities" but no minority
problem.
In this land of ours, this America,
without restraint the policies of his
government or the aims of the chief
executive. He may vote as his judg
ment or his conscience advises and
not as ruler dictates.
In this land of ours, this America
our songs are dedicated to love and
romance, the blue of the night, sails
of the sunset, and not to the might
or to martyrdom or political cause
Our national anthem has martial
words; difficult air. But if you want
to hear the organ roll give the people
its companion-"America g.. . Oh
Thee l Sing" In lighter patriotism
we are nationally cosmopolitan
Unitedly we sing of Dixie or Of
Ioway, where the tall corn grows
of springtime in the Rockies, or o!
California, here 1 come.
In this land of ours, this America
there is not bomb-proof shelter anC
a gas mask is curiosity. 1t is mo-
needed that we teach our children
where to run when death hawks dark.
en- the sky.
In this land of ours, this America
our troubles present or prospective
come from Within-come from oul
own mistakes, and injure us alone
Our pledges of peace toward oul
neighbors are stronger than ruler.
promise or written treaty. We guar.
antee them by devoting our resources
greater than the resources of any 9th.
er nation to upbuilding the industrie!
of peace. We strut no armed nigh