182 / World War I and Reconstruction Work

and populated with Amish and Mennonites and they are not active in any of the various war activities." Apparently at the state level, conscientious objectors did not create serious problems in Ohio. "

The Mennonite tradition of relief for war sufferers found expression as early as July 1917, when congregations began giving for civilian relief through the Red Cross. Among these were Salem, Oak Grove, and Pleasant Hill. Other congregations to contribute funds for the relief of war sufferers were Sonnenberg, Martins, Pleasant View, Orrville, and Crown Hill. Women of the congregation gathered clothing for relief.'' A total of at least $6,500 by Wayne County churches and individuals for war sufferers' relief is listed in the Gospel Herald for 1917.

Conscience and the Flag Salute

During World War I days teachers in the West Liberty, Ohio, public schools required students to salute the flag at all student assemblies. At one school a large flag was hung from the ceiling of the hall and students were required to salute it every time they passed under it. Parents and leaders of the local Mennonite churches advised against this and a number of Mennonite students refrained and planned to discontinue attendance. However, on the advice of their church leaders they continued to go to school, though relations remained somewhat difficult between certain of the school authorities and the children from Mennonite homes. A few of the older children finished their high school in the academy department of Goshen College, Goshen, Indiana.

Ora Troyer of West Liberty was prosecuted for failing to keep his nine-year-old foster daughter in school. His daughter had been sent home several times for refusing, on the instruction of her father, to salute the flag. Troyer was convicted and fined in the local mayor's court. Following this he appealed to the Logan County Court of Common Pleas. Troyer raised no constitutional objections, saying that he had complied with the school law by sending his daughter to school. The court overruled this plea and the judge proceeded to denounce Troyer's action with these words: ... The child was told by defendant below not to salute ... in the time of

war. . .. Such conduct on the part of our citizens is not conscionable, for conscience would lead to respect for government and to its defense, especially in time of war, but rather it is the forerunner of disloyalty and treason.... "'