The Commoner
JANTJAEY, 1917
s
The Proposed Return
to Barbarism
Those who hope for progress toward a higher
civilization should lose no time in warning their
senators and congressmen against the proposed
return to barbarism now urged by some of the
professional soldiers of the nation, who, secure
ly seated on the backs of the people and drawing
comfortable salaries for life, are seeking to com
mit the nation to false standards of honor and
to turn the thoughts of Its youth from peace to
war.
Universal military training is entirely out of
harmony with the history and aspirations of the
American people. To advocate it as a peace
measure would be like teaching young men to
drink intoxicating liquor on the theory that It
would advance the cause of temperance.
Universal military training Is Impossible with
out the cultivation of a military spirit, and the
military spirit leads to war; Jit is the spirit that
has involved Europe in the present war. The
poison of militarism has been smuggled into this
country and Is being administered in deadly
doses to such as will submit themselves to its
influence. Even ministers, under its pernicious
power, have gone about bellowing for war and
crucifying afresh the Master who came into the
world to substitute the philosophy of love for
the philosophy of force and to call all men into
an universal brotherhood.
Write at once to both your senators and your
congressman. Do not delay. v
W. J. BRYAN.
THE "PREPARATION" CRAZE
From the San Francisco Chronicle.!
Pending the outcome of the peace suggestions
in Europe our entire programme of military
"preparedness" should be suspended.
What win come of the overture made by Ger
many we shall see in due' time. The important
fact is the evidence that the peoplo of the" bel
ligerent countries are utterly disgusted with the
continuous and horrible fighting and are more
than ready to quit.
Nor do any of them probably particularly care
what the terms are so only that individuals of
all nations are free to go and come in the, world
and pursue their respective callings precisely as
they were before the war.
It is the vanity of the rulers and not the de
sires of the people which is the obstacle to peace.
And the people will have their way.
And at such a time it is a shocking thing -that
the one great neutral nation should completely
abandon its pacific policies of past years and
plunge into preparations for war.
It is said that the President feels that the sit
uation is too delicate to make it desirable for
the United States to make any suggestion.
But it would not be in the least indelicate for
congress, by joint resolution, to propose to all
the belligerents that if they will disband their
armies and scrap their wardhips we will do the
same, and that, as evidence of our sincerity, our
entire expansion programme shall be suspended,
pending the result of the European war.
The heads of the, -army propose a peace force
of 500,000 men, with a million and a half men
behind them, trained and ready for war. Some
one suggests that we could probably ...get the
500,000 by fixing the pay of privates at $30 a
month. If none in an army of 500,000 was paid
in excess of $30 a month the pay of the army
alone would be $180,000,000 a year, but the pay
of officers, subsistence, and maintenance of bar
racks would easily bring the amount to $400,
000,000 annually, and we have not added the
cost of a navy "equal to that of any other
power."
The world has gone mad. No war was ever
waged or ever will be except for the control or
trade, and no modern war can be carried on ex
cept at a cost for each side vastly exceeding any
Possible gain to either.
Nor can any great war be carried on except
oy mortgaging the energies of future genem
J ons to the extent that they can not pay and
nave enough left to suppprt themselves decently.
And future generations will not endure it.
jor is there any reason why they should. We
uave no control of the activities of our descend-
ants, nor, are they under the slightest obligation
to pay our debts. And they will not starve them
selves to pay tho war debts of their ancestors.
The moro wo spend for preparedness tho moro
wo shall bo asked to Bpond.
Tho right thing to do is to stop now.
T JN'ffj
WOMAN SUFFRAGE
Interview given by Mr. Bryan at Jickson,
Tenn., December 30, 191G.
"What do you think of our chances of secur
ing woman suffrage In Tennessee?" was the
question asked William Jennings Bryan -by a
representative of tho Tennessee Equal Suffrage
Association last night.
"My opinion on chances," said Mr. Bryan,
would not be as good as your own, because I
have no general knowledge o tho sentiment up
on which to base an opinion. I am In favor of
the extension of suffrage to women on equal
terms with men, as advocated in our last demo
cratic national platform, and i am in favor of
securing it everywhere Just as rapidly as it can
be brought about."
"Are you in favor of tho national amend
ment?" "Yes, but while I hopo for it within a few
years, I would not advise any state to wait for
national action If It can secure it in the state.
I believe In working for it along every line that
Is open."
"What do you think of tho Illinois plan of se
curing it by statute?" was the next question.
"That Is the quickest way of securing as much
as can besecured by statute, but there is no in
consistency In favoring statutory suffrage, so
far as the legislature can grant it, and at the
same time working for the submission of a state
amenlment. One can advocate both of these and
still continue to work, for tho national amend
ment. When one believes In a principle, he
seeks methods by which it can bo applied and
employs any and all that are available"
"Is there any reason why statutory suffrago
should be denied merely because a constitutional
amendment has been endorsed?"
- "No," said Mr. Bryan, "the democratic na
tional platform declares for tho principle. The
method of securing it is not so material as the
securing of It. When you find men differing as
to the method to be employed you will generally
find that they differ also In their enthusiasm.
The more enthusiastic a man Is, the more will
ing he is to adopt any and all methods. The less
enthusiastic he is, the more apt he is to bo dis
criminating as to methods. If he is really op
posed to the measure he is likely to bo VERY
discriminating, and to favor anything that will
delay action. JThe great need in securing any
reform Is to raise the temperature and that is
donG by -educational w.ork. You always have
great difficulty in pleasing a man who is just
above" freezing. When a man gets up to boiling
point, he doesn't need, any attention. I hopo
that a majority of your state legislature have
' reached boiling point on the woman suffrage
question."
Boosting The Commoner
Following are a few of the many clubs re
ceived from Commoner readers sinew our appeal
to assist Mr. Bryan in extending the circulation
of The Commoner so as to enable him to reach
a wider circle of readers in his effort to drive
the liquor interests out of the democratic party
and out of the nation. Will not other friends oi
Mr. Bryan help-also?
M. R. Williams, Pa., 6; Henry Fingado, Colo.,
5; W. J. Little, Tex., 5; R. N. Evans, 111., 5; W.
H. Hooks, Ky., 5; S. J. Cooper, la., 5; J. H.
Whitehead, Va., 5; P. J. Sweeney, Wash., 5; O.
Bielland, Minn., C; B. F. Corl, O., 5; Dr. W. A.
Reynolds, Mo., 4; J. L. Franklin, Tex., 5; Geo.
W. Holloway, Kans., 4 ; Jacob L. Traylor, 111., G ;
E. E. Turnipseed, la., 5; Sam F. Gleckler, III.,
3; Harry A. Herbott, Pa., 7; Chas. R. Diehl,
Okla., 4 ; Jos. A. Nauman, Mo., 9 ; Saml. Leer,
Ind., 5; A. H. Sumner, la., 5; A. D. Trundle, Md.,
3; T.'E. Higgins, Wis., 4; W. K. Whitfield, 111.,
5- W. H. Thomas, Ind., 5; J. E. Watts, Kans., 6;
S.' L. Powers, Mo., 4; G. W. Parker, -0., 5; D. C.
Carleton, N. Y., 3; S. R. Sankey, Mo., 5; Wm.
Swaithes, Mo., 7; G. E. Stechert & Co., N. Y., 3;
D. M. Carrel, Mo., 3; J. B. Moore, Kans., 6; Geo.
W. Thompson, VaB;A!ffttonj?Irtif., S; N, R.
Tarvln, Ind., 10; Jno. C. Jones, Kans., Eva
Nappor, Mo., 4; J. H. WInton, Cal., 18; Mrs. M.
C. Harris, La., 3; L. E. Fuller, 111., 6; W. M.
Ruff, 111., G; Wm. T. Fox, Kan., 6; Ralph E. Ray
craft, Mich., 5; L. Shamleffor, Kans., 4; Noah 0.
Storllng, Md., 7; J. D. Grant., La., 8; M. Schoon
ovor, Ind., 1C; Jns. K. Rosk, Ind., 32; Adam C.
Davis, Pa., G; B. F. McManus, Mich., G; V. J.
Vogltanco, Neb., G; Harry A. Herbott, Pa., 5;
Henry Moran, III., G; Sol. W. II. Conrad, O., 4;
Dr. J. T. Ellis, 0., 6; Cynthia Moll, O., 6; H. S.
Caso, Ind., 6; O. T. Lewis, Mo., 0; C. S. Whit
ney, la., 6; W, G. Crcswell, Okla., 6; W. II.
Thomas, Ind., 8; J. P. Porter, la., 6; J. W.
Brothers, la., 5; J. S. Stambaugh, Pa., 3; Thoo.
F. Thiomo, Ind., C; C. N. Baugh, III., G; Goo.
Schaffner, Pa., 11; Henry Sherk, Mo., 7; Dan!.
W. Woodring, Pa., 6; Isidor Jacobs, Cal., tf; Jno.
W. Smiley, Ky., 5; S. D. Enochs, 111., G; B. Carr,
In., 3; Goo. W. Kemp, Mo., 6; E. W. Woodward,
Mo., G; A. L. Callings, 0., 3; W. R. Kimmons,
Tex., G; C. J. Carlson, Wis., G; Ed. C. Carpenter,
111., G; Edwin Rico, Ida., 6; D. G. Shields, Cal.,
6; E. II. Williams, Ind., G; C. E. McCulloch, N.
Car., 7; S. H. Lamborn, la., 7; W. J. Walker, Mo.,
6; W. N. Campbell, D. C, G; M. S. Ampsach, III.,
G; J. H. Leffelman, 111., G; R. E. Bruner, Jr., Mo.,
7; W. D. McConnaughoy, la., 6; A. L. Nicholson,
Ind., 8; W. C. Smith, Ind., 7: C. L. Baldwin, 111.,
M. Schoonover, Ind., 3; C. II; Gott, 111., 6; Wm.
S. Hazzard, la., 3; Ward Fluming, Nob., G; E. C.
Llnvillo, Ind., G; C. F. Voorhes, 0 5; J. Low
right, Mo., 6; W. F. Felhaber, Ida., 7; J. W.
Evans 111., 6; B. H. Brlggs, Pa G; Huffman
Bros., Mo., G; R. T. Ashley, Ind., 6; Sam Wilkes,
Tex., 6; Bon T, Green, La., G; David Fulchor,
Cal., 3; Isaac C. Evans, Ala., 9; D. W. Ramsey,
Kans., 10; Wm. White, Ind., 7; Rev. Adam Kerr,
Mo., 3; Thos, A. Yon., Fla., 10; J. A. Whaloy, Jr.,
Ala., 14; Nicholas Ehrllch, N. Y 6; B. II. Mc
Klnnoy, Fla., 8; E. L. Stratton, Pa., 6; B. B.
Hlnklo, Mont., 6; Samuel Mason, Ind., G; W. M,
Brockloy, III., 5; Sam M. McCornliss, Ind., G;
D. B. Buahong, Md.r 5; Goo. W. Spratt, Mo.r6;
B. H. Pittraan, Tex., 5; A. B Nicholson, Mich., 9;
A. E. Sherwood, Neb., 6; J. K. Phipps, Va., G;
S. J. Jackson, JU., G; Miss C. E. Cleveland, D.
C, 4; Wm. F. Kurtz, Pa., 4; Thos. F. Carmony,
Ind., 6; Chas. Maples, Ark., 6; F. Leo Johnson,
Ida., 6; J. R. Shoop,-0., G; Wm, Dodson, Mo., 3;
David Koons, Okla., 4; J. S. Lafl4-Kans G; J.
T. Johnson, Kans., G; B. H. McKinney, Fla., 6;
W. H. Dameron, 111., 6; Henry Hedgpeth, Ariz.,
G; J. B. Holt, Ark., 11; E. H. Wilson, Neb., 4;
G. W. Masslo, Va., G; Rev. T. M. Reese, Wash.,
8 ; A. W. Voohees, Ind., 6 ; D. C. St. John, N. Y.,
3; M. H. Pentland, Ind., G; J. A. Fear, W. Va., 4;
A. A. Meredith, W. Va., G; Geo. H. Knicker
bocker, N. Y., 0; P. L. Frazler, Oreg., G; A. J.
White, Ark., G; A. Hagstrum, Minn., G; J. C.
Coulter, S. C, G; J. M. Conlellns, Oreg., 10; L. J.
Reavis, Wash., 6; James 'Fox-, la., 6; -Samuel
Beam, Ind., 4; Harold J. SiriltheJ)., 3; Jno. N.
Carters, Ky., 6; D. B. Topham, Neb., 10; S. J.
Gallowajs Mo., 8; W. H. Kettering, 111., G; B,
Carr, la., 6; E. J. Sarchctt, la., G; J. R. Arter
holt, Pa., 6; Wm. T. Meloy, 0., 6; Thos. A.
Welsh, O., 6; T. C. McNamara, Wash., 8; J. N.
B. Shelton, Mo., 7; S. R. Saunders, N. Y., 3;
P. E. Porta, Mo G;ST. M. Wolfe, Ark., 6; C. B.
Hickernell, Fla., 9; V. R. Liggett, Col., 6; H.
Donaghuo, Minn., G; Henry Slevin, N. Y 3; L.
E. Brickell, S. D., G; W. Carl Richards, Md., 7;
E. N. Nichols, N. Y., G; Mrs. Jas. Gaynor, Wis.,
6; Thos. A. Owen, III., If; Wm. Davls Pa.r G;
R. C. Snyder, O., 6; D. G. Fields, Calif, 4; J. C.
B. Smith, 111., G; Horace S. Case., Ind., G; K. G.
Phelps, Ida., 4; J. H. Pegram, Kans., U; A. Far
quhar, la., 4; H. P. Robinson, Vt., 6; J, Faber,
Mont, 6; Jno. J. McHale, Minn., 8; Dr. J. MT.
Williams, Ind.,' 5; Thos. J. Swltzler, Pa., 7; W.
T. Le Compte,'Mo G; Jno. T. Burke, Ind., 9;
Floyd M. Jackson, Mont., 12; M. G. Joiner, Ky.f
6 ; Tom Brooks, Kans., 5 ; James Maupln, Mo., 3.
As proof of their good faith in eliminating
the wet and dry issue from the Nebraska legis
lature the majority decided to elect the presi
dent of a brewing company in Nebraska City as
president pro tern of the senate and the floor
leader of the dominant democratic senators.
And they elected him with four democratic mem"
bers protesting and voting against blm. As fur
ther proof that it was looked upon as a liquor,
issue, the vote of the wettest republican sea
ator was cast with the democratic majority,
41
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