The people's voice. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1939-1969, 1949-10-21
Communism or Conformity?

Union to change its republican FORM let them stand
disturbed monuments of the safety with which of opn
ion may be tolerated where left free to combat
Thus spoke his first presidential in
augural address 1901 Those strong words henTo
day. similar would be grounds for conspiracy
dctment 10 the pon such utterance could be construct
advocacy of overthrowing constitutional system AL
legations similar advocacy last week led to the conviction
in federal court of IL leaders of the Communist party on con-
spiracy charges
Whether the party advocates violent
government However in the only
major u court test the matterthe Schneider
casethe opinion of the court written by the late JUS
ce Frank Murphy in 1913 stated that the testimony before it
indicated that it he Communist party did not advocate
the of force and violence method of attaining its OBJ
ective Be that may the question of advocating
throw being conspiracy charges appears
erial Gwen constitution affirms the people the
right to overthrow the state government The whole question:
nearly determine rests in whether not the Com
mun party creature of foreign bent serving
the interests of such powerand this matter to be
determined by hearsay
Far fundamental than the questionable allegation
brought against the II CP leaders the possible
in the field American civil liberties should this
decision is permitted to stand
supreme court uphodng the right of
priest Father Tarmnello, publicly utter profasc
ments erected another buwak for freedom of speech for all
Americans regardless of political philosophy But should the
verdict against the IL CP leaders be permitted stand that
bulwark along with the First Amendment will have been swept
Affirmation of the CP decision by the court
well be disastrous to freedom in America
For several years-al during the 'cod war" period in
fact there has been growing trend of intolerance toward
those of Independent thought Hysera has been simulated
throughout this happy nation by patriotic outfits; by
monopoly business interests keep the peoples minds off
atng unAmercan Activities committees have been set
the United States Congress and by of the egsa
lures More the making should the Legion leadership
and other bgots be successful in their unAmercan efforts
By of press radio, and public platform the
American people being sold the biggest bill of goods
lazng conformity opinion that of big business wit
messed in country By Presidential directive all federal
employees must and prove) their hatred Of efs ideas
dare not admit they occasionally the of such publ
cations the New Republic. By congressional action, all
trade union officials must file nonCommunist afdav-
must forswear of their sacred of constitutional rights
from thought control guaranteed by the First
Amendment
eminent might be progresse that there might be
economic justice America, subject to being placed
suspect list And mind American loyal deep
only couple of that Robert Taft of all people,
estate lobby because Of his cosponorshp of the TE-W
month to be exacPresident publicly
firm Leland Ods for third term the Federal Power
Commission
Closer home only recall the radio speeches
given by State Senator George Gosman others fall
which implied that Senator Murray Governor
other leading Democratic candidates. Communist sym
pathzers clearly full impact (and the
political behind) the about drive for conformity
Actually it is questionable if there be single leader of
to be "communsc within this country.
is safe say that his red hating exAorney General