The Labor World

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VALOR AND DISCRETION.

The Public: To demand war while the war-spirit is prevalent is not a risky proceeding. But if it requires any bravery at all, credit for possessing that much may be bestowed on Congressman Clarence B. Miller of Minnesota. That he is brave enough to do an absolutely safe thing is demonstrated by the following excerpt from a letter to students of Macalester college of St. Paul who had sent him resolutions urging against a declaration of war:

"You say the munition manufacturers are conducting a campaign to get us into war. That is the cry of the yellow streaked and coward soul when confronted by duty, seeking to justify its welching by ascribing improper conduct to others.

"You say you deprecate the spread of militaristic spirit in this country. You really deprecate America's call to duty. a call to her citizens when she suddenly finds herself in gravest peril. You say you denounce the 'jingoistic, unneutral and militaristic policy of the press,' and condemn its 'base and unreasonable treachery.' The press is preaching patriotism and loyalty to our country, its institutions and its missions. What are you preaching?"

Be it noted that the students thus addressed are residents of St. Paul, which is outside of Congressman Miller's district. Mr. Miller had received resolutions from his constituents in the Federated Trades Assembly of Duluth, as follows:

"The Federated Trades Assembly protests against plunging this country into war on account of difference of interpretation of so-called principles of international law.

"We, protest against ships carrying passengers of neutral nations leaving American ports. when engaged in business of carrying contraband cargoes to ports within the restricted war zone.

"The people in,the last election declared emphatically for peace. We, therefore, insist that 'violations and reparations for damages be adjusted by arbitration rather than by shedding of more innocent blood. Let this country be a shining light in her profession for permanent peace by commensurate action in the pending crisis."

For some reason best known to himself the valiant congressman did not choose to send a reply to these constituents, like that he had sent to students with no votes in his district. He unquestionably received the resolutions. for he acknowledged receipt, but with remarkable self-restraint he added nothing to his acknowledgment that might lose him any support.

Congressman Miller may hardly be big enough to deserve notice. but his action is typical of that of many other militarists in office and out, whom he resembles in readiness to shout "coward" at others, when it is perfectly safe for him to do so.

S. D.