Jasper County Democrat, Volume 21, Number 5, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 17 April 1918 — TIME FOR ACTION [ARTICLE]

TIME FOR ACTION

It -is to the credit of our government that so far enemy aliens hare been most leniently dealt with, even when those aliens have given indubitable evidence that they sought to do the country harm. No drastic action has been taken against even the worst offenders, but one and all have been humanely dealt with. Internment for the duration of the war has been about the most severe penalty yet inflicted. . J It does not seem that-considera-tion should and would beget coinsideration, yet instances are multiplying that it does not so work. While enjoying almost perfect immunity '*• from harm, themselves, these enemy, aliens seem bent on wreaking as runic h harm as possible on the country that has spared and protected them. All of. this is now having its logical effect. With greater frequency now come reports of mob violence against the country’s eneonies. The anger of the people is becoming aroused and they are taking the law into their own hands. This is to be deplored, but there is only one way to prevent it. Thai is for this government to recognize sedition wherever it rears its ugly head,' and crush it with an iron hand. The day is past when any American can occupy middle or neutral

ground- Every man, woman, and child in the country MUST be clase-ed one of two heads — friesAs or enemies." There is absolutely no other ground to stand aj«ox_ I am either for or against ny rivemnent. You are either for ©r again-x your country. It wonld seem that German symjaShiswTS su. this country would be more carefni of their own safety rim-n t® uselessly arouse the anger of lie entire nation. They must ssnreSy know that ail their outrages caun have bat one result—creating a. • hatred- .autd. loathing for them?, amfl their kind. Surely they can ihh imagine that their efforts will iwnxl for anything in the final result- This being the case, the people aycr-aise their action at its true Taln-e—’unreasoning loyalty to aeeamfiry they have deserted and unreaswcii®? hostility and treachery to a eoutiy anO people that have take-n them in. and protected them The government should force every 3ian"s hand. Every man should he eompelled to lay his cards oi the tabie —come clean —or take the. c©s*eeju'es!ees. And the consequences should not be in the nature of a pink tea.