H. C. Peterson (1902–1952)

3580. Opponents of War 1917-1918, by H. C. Peterson and Gilbert C. Fite (read 14 May 2002) I thought this might tell of the 56 Senators and Representatives who voted against entering World War One, who have always interested me. But instead it is an account of the people who continued to oppose the war after we entered, and the frightful time they had, with First Amendment jurisprudence in its infancy. I found it timely since there is a similar mentality existent since Sept 11: that observance of the Bill of Rights is less important now. In 1917 and 1918 the legal system seems to have surrendered to public passion and the things endured by dissidents are spelled out in gruesome detail. I realize the authors are sympathetic to the dissidents, but the record was very bad. Teddy Roosevelt's statements are the height of intemperate and illogic, whereas Senator Hardwick of Georgia was a hero and was rewarded by being defeated for renomination in 1918. A good book.… (mais)