The people's voice. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1939-1969, 1948-10-01
Smearing by christians


Elsewhere in issue Voice. is printed letter
addressed to the publication by Rev NJ j. Wilcox minister
the First Methodist Church Glendive Montana In this
letter you will note Rev. Wilcox crczes The Voice for not
informing its concerning the religious affaon
Miss Mary NJ Condon the Democratic candidate perin-
tendent of public Instruction.
say begin with Peoples Voice is not only
non-partisan in politics but also definitely
This in accord with its basic editorial policy and equally
true of the attitude of its editorial staff Moreover might
this point that the editorial staff of
ders that other viewpoint contrary to the best precep
of Amercansm and violates of the guarantees basic
law challenge anyone offer proof any accept
able nature that citizen OF good repue and with quaica
on suitable for the office sought should not be
deraton by the electorate regardless of religious afaon
The candidate has equal right with all other citizens free
dom of religion; right that should and cha-
enged More than that there be justification any
assumption any permit church affia
on be Catholic Methodist Presbyterian Lutheran what
Influence his conduct of the public office he seeks
elected to it. might be willing to concede that other con-
sderations might influence it. economic forces political pref
udices tactics of political strategy and similar circumstances
facing the elected officer might influence him to follow certain
lines which the majority which elected him might find
objectionable but of them convinced would follow
anything that might be openly construed as dcaon by any
religious sect by the of religious dogma
At first glance Rev Wilcox criticism of the story which
told OF the church and lodge affiliations of the campaign
rotary of Miss Condon be Justified However, will take
with that criticism also. The staff of The Peoples Voice
has direct valid information concerning Condons
church utilization interested in what is Our
interest Miss Condons candidacy confined whether
not she qualified by education and administrative experience
ability the position seeking: And let
stood that The Voice until is thoroughly satisfied that
without reservation. We have,
however been informed that she member the Catholic
pagn secretary reached felt that the fact that Mr. King
who named member of Protestant church and
Protestant lodge, worth pubczng was
Protestant and Miss Condor from information available to
Catholic, but because clear example dscardng
unAmerican prejudice in the carrying out of
paign
think that have before this told in this that
raised" in Protestant family, and incidentally
and preudced Protestant secrearan atmosphere
could be. do not regret early rebellion against
that feel regret that have been
affiliated with church But do sincerely deplore the fact
that apparently all of the whispering being
carried presently against candidates. being
Proteants certain churches and lodges is shameful
thing and completely contrary to all concepts only fair
play and aboveboard campaigning but indeed Amer
icanism.
Yesterday "wednesday friend called the
phone and told that John Bonner candidate
the Democratic ticket had stated Butte that if he
elected he would to that parocha schools would
and the children attending such schools be
vded with transportation those attending public schools
form distant locations Our friend asked who calling
not told The given friend by this
refusing to his her and may
be assumed that the caller of organized by
Protestant church lodge to this candidate
When contacted by The Voice. Mr. Bonner stated that he
had made such statement and The Voice believes
that he tells the truth Moreover give Mr. credit
for political astutenes than to make statement
controversial issue such that.
When Mr. Bonner served attorney general Of the state
request for opinion the question of whether not
student attending private parocha school entitled to
public transportation submitted to him by T. W.
county attorney in Rosebud county and Mr. Bonners opinion
be found by anyone interested truth Page in