The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1915-04-11


y delegation from the shipbuilding interests
called upon the chancellor last Monday TO
Government aid in increasing their efficiency
The employers unanimously declared that
nothing short of absolute prohibition would meet
the emergency. They showed that although
operations being carried night and day
the average working lime and the productive
hess of the men have steadily decreased. In
stead Of stimulating ambition, the extra wages
have actually encouraged indifference and idle
ness because of the temptations of drink.
Receipts of public houses near the shipyards
nave increased, in some instances as much as
forty per cent In one yard the riveters have
been working average of only forty hours
week. and in another only thirty-sx hours
High wages and steady employment have not
been able to compete against the lure of the
saloon.
An almost Incredible result of the disorganiza-
ton and degeneracy due to alcohol was cited
One OF the battleships engaged in the perilons
North Sea patrol came into big shipyard for
immediate repairs. It was important that in the
shortest number of hours possible she return
10 he: station, and she was put into drydock at
once. And there she lay untouched for one whole
day because IT was impossible to get riveters
to work her. They were drinking and carous-
ing in nearby grogshops
1t with such facts before him that the
chancellor uttered his striking warning:
we fighting Germany. Austria and drink.
and far can see the greatest OF these
three deadly foes IS drink / have growing
v
nothing bur root and branch methods would be
of the slightest avail! in dealing with tho evil.
believe 1t Is the general feeling that. IL
are TO settle with German militarism, VIC murt
first OF all settle with liquor"
II IS perfectly obvious that ne touched upon
the vital point IN the scheme o. national de-
tense. Regardless OF questions Of right
wrong. the plain issue is whether Germany or
Great Britain shall be crushed. and IT becomes
clearer every day that only Engand's prepon-
s ura
initiating defeat
Eight months OF war have shown that neither
side land has advantage in numbers, In
ST. ategy or In the valor OF It's troops: that that
SIDE viii win which displays the greater eff
ficiency and excels in ammunition and equip
ment. When the British made their recent big
advance at Neuve ChApele it was solely because
they were able to concentrate crushing arti
lerv fire, pour upon the lines Of the enemy
storm of rrojectes without limit If their
ammunition supply falls below that OF the
enemy, they are doomed.
The Government early recognized this Flitch-
ener has declared that the must he
10y workmen well by soldiers: that the man
in overals, at the forge or in the shipyards or
shop, as vital factor in the defense OF the
country the in khaki at the front
Every Intelligent Briton knows what Is the
secret OF Germany's might. Those swarmsns
and determination through months OF savage
conflict, Their strategy is skillful their pat
riotism inspiring, their devotion their ideals
sublime. But it is not in these things that the
strength OF the empire lies,
The source of her power Is her commanding
national efficiency. the absolute unity of her
people, the scientific coordination Of her pro-
ductive activities. Back OF her devoted armies
stand people loyal and disciplined. who have
cheerfully sacrificed every personal considera-
ton to the one purpose of sustaining the forces
al the front.
No amount of courage self-secrifce can
withstand such a force unless there be an APP
proximste equality in Industrial efficiency. The
men in the trenches are doomed unless they
are supported by the men IN the workshops at
home,
And IT is just here that the British system
threatens to break down The empire has
/ biltzed ali lis resources for the life and death
struggle. Her meager army. flung against over
~helmne numbers held the field until the
stream OF announcements could be trained and
sent to the 'front.' Every ship in the vast fleet
/ is duty. The colonies and dependencies in
the remotest parts Of the earth have responded
with splendid loyalty.
! In tho home islands every class has assumed
! It's share Of the burden. From farm and fec
tory and store and office more than a million
and quarter volunteers have gone into the
ranks Women have given their sons, their
husbands, their brothers. and in hundred
thousand homes there Is the shadow of mourn
| ing for brave slain. IF the cost In lives
has been heavy, the cost in money has been
staggering. vet this. too. has been met without
! flirching. the rich contributing in many in
stances one half OF their income to the remorse-
/ less income tax.
! Nor can II he said that the burden IL borne
only by those or lowly social station. The
possessors OF wealth and title have shown as
much devotion those OF lesser estate. There
/ is not aristocratic family in the kingdom
} that has rot its representatives at the front
or the auguished thought of graves they may
never see.
! Among Just one class has there been failure 10
respond. Some OF the workers IN Industry
men from whom sacrifice is demanded but
only loyal work exceptional wages-are i'm
periling the safety Of the army and navy and
! the very security OF the nation by Indifference
and selfishness
1t is nothing to them that their fellow citizens
are enduring the horrors OF the blood soaked
trenches; that day by day Others slain at
sea that their country aud their very liberties
are In danger. While the deadly submarines
circle the island and gather their victims: while
the troops in France withstand the onslaught
of relentless foes, and while the leaders Of the
ration plead that only Increased supplies of war
materinl can disaster these spend
their time in dramshops. drinking away their
strength their brains and the safety of their
countrymeu.
Surely here could not be a ghastly spec
tacle Of enslavcment. This is the other side
OF that picture OF personal liberty which the
advocates OF lianor alluringly paint. Against