F.W. Smith letter to Champ Clark - April 26, 1917

Transcript

Raymore, [Missouri], April 26, 1917. Honorable Champ Clark, Speaker, House of Representatives, Washington, D.C. SIR: ----- I do not expect you to take your valuable time answering this but I cannot refrain from saying that we all are proud of your remarks on this conscription thing. The country is fairly stunned as the intentions of the War Board are brought to light, and we are beginning to think there is very little difference between Kaiser Willhelm and Kaiser Wilson ---- providing Mr. Wilson approves these things. Elected on a strictly peace platform it looks strange to us. We cannot understand it all ----plans to stop free speech, conscription, an army of five million, universal service [etc.] Have we nothing to say regarding all this? We, who will “pay the cost”? It seems not. But I can assure you the country is against this thing. However, there are a few “Patriots” among us who think this is a good thing ---- for the other fellow and that HE ought to send his Sons. In this Township, which is fairly representative, there is one loud-mouthed old man strong for the whole thing. He never had a chick nor child and his income is derived from dividends from a small bunch of Steel Stock his Wife inherited. He is a fair representative of the class who are making all the noise. But there will be a reconing later --- a day of settlement and some of those Congressmen who we sent down there to represent us have a new pleasure awaiting them ---- that of making an honest living after their present terms expire. We are proud of you Mr. Clark. GO AFTER THEM. The honor is all mine in subscribing myself as your friend, F.W. Smith