Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1916-01-31

sHtuFuuy nuureHHeS OF fne Ercbluents
The situation In now Ernver thnn II has
been for some time, and the country has
right to know H-semi-ofIlcinl state
ment from Washington in reference to
the Lusitanin controversy.
TT is evident that the President has not
l. deserted washington in this period of
great stress to conduct merely preliminary
political campaign. The ordinary ambitions
and practices of men are likely to be aban-
doned when flaming comet writes in fire its
message across the skies, and the exigent
matters of common life are thrust aside in
the face of abnormal confusing and unknown
dangers.
The President whose knowledge of foreign
conditions is more Intimate than that of any
other living American, has been compelled
to abandon optimism. He knows as every
American ought to realize, that we stand at
the edge of a volcano The vindication of
our rights and honor may involve us inevita-
bly, in war at any time. On the one SIDE our
privileges on the high seas have been at
tackled and no satisfaction therefor has been
accorded Moreover, this naval aggression
increases instead of decreases in violence.
On the other side, there has been no atone
ment yet for the murder of our citizens.
In Asia, Japan, with motives good or bad,
imperils the integrity Of China, and there are
influences at work to involve this nation In
the quarrel, because of the impairment of
It's trade. In the Senate there has already
been a demand that we cry Hiatt"
To the south, in chaotic Mexico, tho pro-
lection of our nationals may we'll call for
military activity.
In the face of these conditions, everywhere
understood and apparent even to a blind
man, Congress sits and whiIes the time away,
listening to orators, to this and that states
man "who is so In love with peace that he
cannot imagine any kind of danger; I almost
envy him the rance he is in"
The world has been mortgaged to us and
we hold Its future In pawn. But the safe
must be bolted
The President lover of peace and idealist,
knows that we must make ready
Mr.. Mann. leader of the opposition and an
old opponent of preparedness has been con-
verted.
Wherever there is brain and knowledge of
the facts there is the one conclusIon-we are
in danger and we must prepare.
We take It, therefore, that the time has
come when the lethargy of Congress can no
longer be sanctioned. There must be thrown
against 1t the full power of public opinion, to
kill its inertia and drive 1t into action. Never
was agitation more sober. never program
more necessary in all its clements never a
need more eloquent for prompt action. The
great bod of citizens, therefore, Will no
longer tolerate hesitance; it will not counte-
nance delay. The call is for action, quick
action, the meaning of which cannot be mis-
understood anywhere in the world.
We take it that peace can best be pre-
served at this crisis by such activity as will
give notice to other nations of our purpose to
stand fast in defense of our rights. backing
this position with such power as would cause
even war-mad Government to hesitate be-
fore attacking us.
Let Congress vote a billion, or even half
billion, for the immediate reconstruction of
our navy, and who doubts the effect on our
diplomacy!
There is nothing likely to conserve our
peace as immediate provision for war.
Better billion to prevent war than twenty
billions to wage it.
The issue is up to no political party; It is
up to Congress.
Let it act and act without loss OF time.
Tomorrow may be too late.
"
A CALL TO THE CHARITARLE