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The Freedom of Eery Religion
Menaced by the Gompuls
School Bi
The Compulsory School Bill, to be voted upon next -Tuesday
in Oregon, threatens the religious liberty of
every creed in th United States.
It is so sweeping in its scope that the Catholic, Protes
tant and other churches have lifted up vigorous protests
against it.
The4 leading educators of the country declare it to be
a violation of the inalienable rights granted every creed
by the Constitution of this great nation.
The Catholic Civic Rights Association of Oregon
states that "the Masonic Fraternity in the State is
divided; many of the leading Masons are openly opposed
to it (the school bill), and the Grand Master of the State'
Grand Lodge publicly denied that the Grand Lodge had
indorsed it"
To these protests of other religions and other, socie
ties the Jewish people add theirs.
The Jews, knowing what oppression means, have as
deep a love for freedom and liberty as any other race
that ever lived.
They cherish the religious rights so long guaranteed
the people of the United States, and believe no calamity
could be greater to Judaism than the loss of freedom to
worship as conscience dictates and to bring up children
in the faith of their fathers.
The Jews take great pride in the patriotism shown by
their sons whenever danger has threatened this country.
Every time this nation has gone to war to preserve
its unity or to drive out invaders or to protect its honor,
the Jews have never failed to rally under the flag that
every true American loves. J
We are opposed to the. Compulsory School Bill be
cause it is hostile to true Americanism.
It is contrary to those principles of liberty And justice
upon which our cherished institutions rest.
It is an appeal to religious and racial intolerance.
It is fraught with consequences fatal to the funda
mental principles of the Constitution.
I It is a repudiation of the ideals represented by Wash
ington, Franklin, Jefferson, Hamilton and. Lincoln, and
its views
upon
by the Hosts of men and women who have made our
country tolerant, free and united.
It arouses bitter hatreds and establishes intolerant
bigotry.-, ' .;-!,. ;, ' ' "
It is a measure as oppressive to mankind as any .pro
mulgated by czaristic tyranny when at its worst.
It is an attempt to destroy. America's proudest
achievement. ' : --j-:
What possible justification can there be for suppress
ing schools maintained by any portion of our citizenry
which acts in accordance with its conscientious convic
tions? " j. ; J,
What right has a majority to impose
any minority, however inconsiderable?
Why antagonize the present school system when less
than 5 per cent of the children of Oregon attend private ,
schools. ; j j! , : .-
This menacing lawis in itself but a si: igle step in the
direction of abridging our dearest religious rights, p "-
If the enemies of religious freedom succeed in pass
ing this odious law in Oregon, it will be an
of their power tathe whole country. : j
From Oresron the move will spread to!
as it travels North, South and East bitter bigotry and in
tolerance will take the place of friendship and brother
hood. . : j - ; f'..'V-V;P '. ' : ;.'-
Who knows but that the.f orces back of this school bill,
may precipitate in these dear United States another of
the bloody wars that have crowded the pages of history
for centuries? ; i I K -:
Oregon is the point of attack, the entering wedge in
a deeply-laid plan to take away from parentsthe right
to educate the cWldren that God has giyen them.
Our present schopl laws amply provide for the educa
tion of pur children.1 j ! I
. At a time when the whole world is lifting up its voice
for peace, why introduce a new motive for the renewal
of hatreds and intolerances ? h 1 .
It is the highest duty of every true American Jewy
JProtestant, Catholic and all else -to vote against any
attempt to so change our present laws that they stir up
new discords among us. I - , '
- Honor, patriotism and freedom demand that you vote
NO on the Compulsory School Bill next .Tuesday. j
advertisement
all; States, and,
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Jewish League for; Preseiatioil
of : American
An supporter of Judaism invited to join this League. Contributidns to a pubUcity fund solicited. .Room 204, Hotel. Benson, Portland. .
Ideals
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