Jasper County Democrat, Volume 21, Number 1, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 3 April 1918 — LIE MILLS ARE ACTIVE [ARTICLE]

LIE MILLS ARE ACTIVE

In connection with war operations. a splendid plan to adopt is to refuse to believe any report that does not come officially from Washington. The lie mills of the enemy are active, and they are located in all parts of this country. It is the policy of the enemy to stir up discontent. apprehension and terror by any and every means in his power, and be will scruple at nothing in order 'to carry his point. Well he knows that any cause of anxiety or unrest subtracts from American efficiency.

Every loyal citizen of the United States should be assured of one truth—-his government will advise the public freely of every circumstance in connection with war activities that directly affects said ] public* We do not have to depend on rumor for information, because the bureau Of information is in existence for the purpose of supplying the people with the truth in every instance. Just a few instances of needless worry over maliciously false reports might be cited. Recently the repbrt was spread that ground glass had been found in the food of soldiers in some of the camps. The report was- at once investigated by the authorities and found to be absolutely false and without the shadow of foundation—a malicious lie, deliberately circulated for the purpose of sowing alarm and discontent. When the falseness of the report was proven, the government reassured the public, and we have heard no more of the matter. Then the report gained currency that some of the camps were located in notoriously unhealthful localities, and that epidemics of measles, meningitis and other diseases were raging. These, too. were given the lie by the; government, and it was plainly shown that not in any camp had the death rates been above normal for the country, and in most instances was in fact far below normal, demonstrating the health efficiency of the entire army cantonments.

America can win this war; she will win the war. But she can subtract from her efficiency and unnecessarily prolong the conflict if she suffers herself to become alarmed over every idle report or malicious lie that is circulated. We must keep cool and apply every ounce of our energy in work that counts in aid of our government and the brave boys who are to fight our battles on the fields of Europe and on the seas. Trust your government. It is right, and it has a due regard for your peace of mind, and everything that you should know that is calculated to affect that peace of mind will be duly communicated to you by those in authority. Bury the products of the lie mills In utter unbelief. That way it will be harmless.