180 / World War I and Reconstruction Work

wars, was curtailed. Repressive measures against anyone suspected of nonconformity to the war effort were widely used during this period of American history, the study and analysis of which is yet to be thoroughly done. In general the country's churches and the clergy concurred in the repressive measures which were considered necessary.'

Mennonites and Amish in Pennsylvania and Ohio experienced a number of encounters in their communities with patriotic organizations, government officials, and war promoters. Frequently the encounters resulted from public attempts to explain the pacifist or nonresistant position. In Holmes County, Ohio, an article appeared in the Sugarcreek Budget by M. E. Bontrager, an article considered "very innocent in its content."' However, it came to the attention of the grand jury of the United States district court in Cleveland which saw it as something "intended to promote the success of the enemy now at war with the United States." The editor, S. H. Miller, was held responsible for the article and was charged with carrying "false reports," with interfering "with the operations of success of the military and naval forces," and inciting "insubordination, disloyalty, mutiny, and refusal to duty in the military forces of the United States." He was fined five hundred dollars plus four hundred dollars for costs-a total of nine hundred dollars.

In the West Liberty community, S. E. Allgyer attempted to interpret the position of his church through the local papers, but the editor refused to print the articles. He was soon threatened with arrest. He maintained his position, however, and sought to interpret it to the local draft board. He also continued to visit the young men of his church who were drafted into the camps. At a time when the war fever ran high, a group of men from the vicinity called on Mennonite homes in the community, including Allgyer's home. They demanded $100 from him to be used for military or military-related purposes. The drama of the situation was heightened by certain men in the group who brought a rope along. ostensibly for hanging. Allgyer, however, steadfastly refused to pay for what he thought would be a wrong purpose. After taking him across the road before his house, they applied a horse clipper to his hair and then departed. Later, Allgyer reported that the leader of the group asked his forgiveness which was speedily granted. Over twenty years afterward when the Allgyers celebrated their fiftyfifth wedding anniversary, they received a much-appreciated letter