Chicago Tribune
COUNCIL, 60 TO 8, DECLARES
CITY BELONGS TO U.S.
———
Resolution of "Official Patriotism" Raps Pacifists, Etc.
———
Chicago’s "official" patriotism was raised to par yesterday when the city council by a vote of 60 to 8 adopted the Kerner resolution — aimed at copperheads, pacifists, and their kind — to serve in lieu of a proclamation from the mayor never issued. The resolution put the council on record as asking the people of Chicago to refrain from discussing the war.
Ald. Kennedy, Socialist, attempted to sidetrack it by submitting a substitute to read that the people should exercise discretion in discussing the war. His resolution was voted down by 58 to 6. Kennedy said he though free speech would be jeopardized, but Ald. Kerner declared the resolution was directed only at the species that willfully criticizes the entrance of our country in the war and its purposes in conducting the conflict. Kennedy cited Lord Northcliffe’s disregard of the British censorship.
"Loyal Man Won’t Debate."
An "address" was attached to the formal resolution, saying, after reference to the state of war:
This condition, so recognized and proclaimed, ipso facto silences all discussion and criticism of the declaration of war and calls upon all the citizens of the United States to espouse the cause of our common country by word and deed.
The true, loyal citizen will not, in time of war, debate the righteousness of his country’s cause, and the disloyal, if there be such, shall not be heard. Free expression of disloyal sentiment is "giving aid and comfort to the enemy in time of war" and is fraught with evil.
Pep in McCormick Talk.
Without mentioning names, but with apparent intent, Ald. A. A. McCormick brought the council to close attention with the most peppery talk of the session.
"This city is in disgrace today," he said, "because from high quarters comes a chill blast ever time a patriotic move is started. Chicago is patriotic, though, and will demonstrate it with its money and its blood.
"Lord Northcliffe never challenged his country’s righteousness in going to war. If we have embalmed beef scandals we won’t have to keep silent about them; congress and the press will see to that. This resolution is fair.
"I say, ‘Stop your damnable pacifists and their schemes; stop those who oppose the enlistment of men and money in this country.’ We’re in this war and we must see it through to an honorable end. Don’t stab you country in the back when your men are going to the front to fight for it."
Socialist Claque Busy.
Members applauded Mr. McCormick. Previous to this, though, the council’s ire was aroused by the gallery. When Kennedy said, "We’ll look like a lot of little two by fours if we vote for this," and "If you had any red blood in you you wouldn’t stand for this resolution," there were prolonged catcalls and whistles from a certain coterie in the gallery who are always on hand to cheer the Socialists.
"What is this, a political meeting ?" demanded Ald. Bowler above the din. "Mr. President, I wish you would enforce the rules."
"Yes," added Ald. Walkowiak, "I call on you, Mr. President, to restrain the galleries. If the spectators continue their boisterousness you should put them out."
"The galleries will please be in order," requested the mayor finally.
Eight Who Voted No.
Those who voted against the resolution were:
EUGENE BLOCK, Ninth ward.
CHARLES V. JOHNSON, Ninth ward.
W. E. RODRIGUEZ, Fifteenth ward.
EDWARD J. KAINDL, Fifteenth ward.
JOHN HADERLEIN, Twenty-fourth ward.
JOHN C. KENNEDY, Twenty-seventh ward.
THOMAS F. BYRNE, Twenty-ninth ward.
M. A. MICHAELSON, Thirty-third ward.
Kaindl and Byrne were members of the schools subcommittee which held a secret session last Friday. Michaelson who declared the resolution had no place in the council, voted for it at first, then asked leave to change his vote. Several aldermen were against allowing him this privilege. The mayor, though, said he might.
"Go on, Patrick Henry," Ald. Coughlin addressed the mayor when he made the ruling.
Invite Russian Mission.
A resolution signed by Ald. Rodriguez, Ald. Kimball, and Ald. Kerner, instructing the city clerk to extend an invitation to visit Chicago to the Russian mission when it arrives in Washington, was passed unanimously. Alfred L. Baker, and Miss Jane Addams are named chairman and vice chairman in the resolution.
