Paper Reports On Mennonites and Liberty Bonds In World War I

Yesterday's edition of the New Philadelphia, Ohio Times Reporter carried an interesting article on the experience of Ohio Mennonite pacifists during World War I. Local newspaper editor Samuel H. Miller was convicted under the Espionage Act after he published an article by Mennonite Bishop Manasses Bontrager of Dodge City, Kansas. Bontrager argued that purchasing Liberty Bonds violated Mennonite teachings against violence and bloodshed. Bontrager was also tried in Ohio, and both defendants, who could have been sentenced to 20 years in prison, were merely fined $500. Meanwhile, local officials worked out a plan that allowed Amish and Mennonites to purchase Liberty Bonds indirectly, without violating their religious beliefs. Special bank accounts were created in which pacifists could deposit money for a ten year period. Then the bank used the funds to buy the bonds.