William H. Lamar to Albert S. Burleson

Title

William H. Lamar to Albert S. Burleson

Creator

William H. Lamar

Identifier

WWP21781

Date

1917 August 8

Source

Library of Congress, Woodrow Wilson Papers, 1786-1957

Text

Memorandum for the Postmaster General:Referring to the telegram dated Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, August 4, 1917, addressed to the President, signed by W. I. Irvine and Paul Hanna, Publicity Committee, representing the Philadelphia branch of the People's Council of America, I will say that this organization was organized in New York some weeks ago and is rapidly establishing branches throughout the country. It claims to be modeled along the lines of the Workmen's and Soldiers' organization in Russia and to be organized for the purpose of cooperating with that organization and peace organizations throughout the world to bring about a conclusion of the present war. Copies of some of the literature sent out by this organization are attached, in which appear: "Every organization or group of people" in any city or vicinity "likely to be interested," including "trade unions, socialist locals, branches of the Consumers' League, single tax leagues, peace societies, church and civic clubs, mother's clubs, parent and teachers' associations, etc.," are urged to connect themselves with the People's Council, each of such organizations to be entitled to representation in the Council. In one of the pieces of literature sent out by the organization is found the following:"The People's Council will be a 'people's power' body in constant operation. It will be a clearing-house for the democratic forces of the country. It will maintain central headquarters with a permanent office staff. It will conduct a publicity bureau. It will uphold the rights of labor. It "will be a stronghold of defense for our fundamental American rights of free speech, free press, peaceful assembly and the right to petition the government. It may take a nation-wide unofficial referendum on such questions as conscription and America's concrete peace terms."It is hoped that our own People's Council will voice the peace will of America as unmistakably and effectively as the Council of the Workmen's and Soldiers' delegates is speaking for Russia. ***."You can become a constituent-at-large by signing the attached blank and sending it to the office. Or, you can get your organization to elect a delegate to the Council, thus becoming a group constituent. Or, you can do both. Better still, you can start the ball rolling for local People's Councils such as have already sprung up in several cities."Every class of people opposed to the Government in this war appear to be very rapidly connecting themselves with this organization, with the hope that it will be the great force to paralyze the activities of the Government in this war. It appears to be supported by the German propaganda and by every shade of opinion from the extreme anarchist type to the Women's Peace Party, and in my opinion is doing and will continue to do incalculable harm. From the communications of postmasters it appears that its literature is being circulated from one end of the country to the other, and it seems to have back of it unlimited money. It has the active cooperation of the Americal League Against Militarism, which also seems to be supplied with unlimited money and is doing great harm.

Attached also will be found articles from the New York Tribune of August 6th and 8th, showing the nation-wide operations of various elements which are hostile to the Government in this war. From the matter that is daily submitted to this office from various sections of the country I can say that the statements contained in these articles are in no way exaggerated, and it would take many such articles to convey an adequate idea of the operations of the elements in this country hostile to the Government in the present war.

In conclusion, allow me to say that the literature of the various publications and organizations connected with the People's Council throughout the country contain so much falsehood and misinformation, both with respect to the law and the facts, that I am of the opinion unless some general means is adopted to get before the people correct information with regard to the various matters discussed in the publications and circulars now being sent broadcast throughout the land that a most unfortunate condition will result.Solicitor.Enclosures.

To

Albert S. Burleson

Files

http://resources.presidentwilson.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/WWI0578A.pdf

Collection

Citation

William H. Lamar, “William H. Lamar to Albert S. Burleson,” 1917 August 8, WWP21781, World War I Letters, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton, Virginia.