Jasper County Democrat, Volume 21, Number 18, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 1 June 1918 — OPEN DOOR FOR ILL DEMOCRATS [ARTICLE]

OPEN DOOR FOR ILL DEMOCRATS

Policy of Frederick VanNuys, New Democratic State Chairman. ALL WILL BE WELCOMED “Patriotism In Politics. But No Politics in Our Patriotism.” Is the Slogan of the Party in tha 1913 Campaign. With the reorganiza’ion of the Democratic state committee. Charles A. Greathouse, who had served the party faithfully, ably and as state chairman, declined re-election and retired in order that he might devote his entire time to the patriotic work that has been cut out for him by the government. To succeed Mr. Greathouse as state chairman the state committee unanimously elected Frederick YaUNuys, who was secretary of the committee under Mr Greathouse It is admitted on all sides that a better selection for state chairman c«uld not have been made. Mr. VanKuys is a young man, a hustling, hard-working Democrat who has fought for the success of the party for yeans. He was state senator from Madison county a few years ago and served in that body with distinction and great credit to himself and his party. He was the floor leader of the Democrats when he was in the Senate. Two years ago Mr. VanNuys moved from Anderson to Indianapolis to practice law but Mr. Greathouse persuaded him to accept the position of secretary of -the state committee, knowing his excellent qualities as a worker and a man. Great Patriotic Work. The action of Mr. Greathouse In declining re-election as state chairman stamps upon him more plainly thaji ever the mark of patriotism and unselfishness He was importuned to accept re election. But several months ago President Wilson appointed him a member of the Federal t ocational Education Board, which administers the Federal vocational education law. The duties of this position required much of his time. This board will have supervision of the great work of rehabilitation of crippled and disabled soldiers who return from the European battlefield, and to this great and splendid work Mr. Greathouse will give his whole time and strength. It Is recognized that there is no more essential work confronting the nation today than the proper care of these soldiers wh<T will return home disabled. Mr. Greathouse said he did not feel that he would be treating the government fairly if he were to remain in politics and neglect his patriotic duty to the government. In announcing his position, Mr. Greathouse issued the following statement: “There has been introduced in the Congress, and which has the approval of the President, a bill for the re-edu-cation and rehabilitation of crippled soldiers. There is not the slightest doubt of Its passage. This bill carries an appropriation and places the education in connection with the victims of the war after hospital discharge in the hands of the federal board of vocational education. “Connection with carrying out the provisions of this law will take practically all of my time, and it is my intention to move to Washington, where I will be in constant cpmmunication with this most important work. “In view of my absence almost continually from the state I do not feel that I could discharge the duties of Democratic state chairman in justice to myself and the satisfaction of my party I also feel that in these times of war a man should not shrink in auties where there is an opportunity to serve the government and assist in some small way the boys who have given their all that we may remain a people. “In addition to these reasons, I feel very strongly that our educational affairs should not in any way be connected with political activities, and I do not see how this could be done by remaining chairman of the party, and continuing as a member of the eral board of vocational education.”

New Campaign Slogan. In accepting the office of state chairman, Mr. VanXuys coined a campaign slogan that promises to sweep over the country in this campaign: “Patriotism in politics, but no politics in our patriotism,” he said. “I appreciate yery much this honor at the hands of the Democratic state committee,” Mr. VanXuys said. “My association with Chairman Greathouse and the members of the committee during the last four months has been very pleasant, and we all, feel that very effective work has been accomplished. Insofar as the actlvl-

aes of the chairman are concerned, h»pe to continue those same policies that have made the work of Chairman Greathouse both effective and popular. “i am not unmindful of the fact that this campaign will be waged under most unusual conditions. The prosecution of the war to a speedy and victorious conclusion is the one thought and desire now uppermost in the minds and hearts of all good citizens. The many war activities have and will continue to engage the best thought and a large part of the time and energies of our citizenship. And this is exactly as it should be. We shall not permit partisan ambitions to Interfere in the least with vigorous prosecution of these endeavors. Upton the other hand we shall endeavor to make our party organization a vehicle of value toward their accomplishment. ‘Patriotism in 'politics, but no politics in our patriotism’ appeals to me as a very succinct definition of the stand which all political parties should take In the present crisis. "An intelligent and active interest in affairs political ought to be considered part of the patriotic duties and responsibilities of good citizenship, and we urge all Democrats and all others who desire to affiliate with that party in this campaign to consider and assume their full duties and responsibilities.” Open Door for All. Chairman VanNuys believes in the policy of the wide-open door for all members of the party, so that each and every Democrat may have his share In the affairs of the party. He knows no faction’ or special interest. All Democrats look alike to him, and that will be his policy throughout his service as state chairman, He says he hopes every Democrat will feel the responsibility that rests upon his own shoulders and that he will take an active interest in the work of the party. The country needs the Democratic party in power at Washington, both in the Senate and In the House of Representatives, in order that President Wilson, the hppe of liberty, may be assured of full support in his tremendous task of making the world safe fop democracy. # Chairman VanNuys says he will welcome suggestions and advice from Democrats all over the state, and that he will give careful consideration to everything that Is offered. He is arranging to hold meetings of the Democratic state committee in Fort Wayne, South Bend, Terre Haute, Richmond and Evansville, which will be an innovation. "Let’s pass a good thing around,” he said. x Dr. F. A. Bolser of Newcastle was elected vice-chairman, and William M. Fogarty of Indianapolis, was reelected treasurer of the state committee. The secretary of the committee will be appointed by Chairman VanNuys.

The United States is growing lumber at tile rate of 20,000,000,000 board feet a year, and using it at the rate of 40,000,000,000 board feet annually. It is reported that of the 900,000,000 or more acres of original ~forest land" about 300,600,000 acres have been turned into farm land, while 65,000,000 acres have Tieen dut. and not replanted.