The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1917-06-06
THE WAR AND AFTER.

He would indeed be a hopeless pes
simist who allowed the bitterness and
strife of this war to blind his percep
tions to the better potentialities which
will assert themselves after the strug
gle. When the tragedy is ended and
peace once more established, this
world Will be a far better place in
which to live than ever before; albeit
there will still remain many problems
requiring solution.
OF the ultimate result of the war
there can be no question; the allies
will win. 1t could not be otherwise,
says Henry Clews in his Financial Re
view, simply because the whole civil
lied world is opposed to that sort of
militarism which if perpetuated
would inevitably again throw the
whole world into chaos and anarchy.
Such beliefs are not based alone on
the mere abstract faith in the ultimate
good; they are based upon solid facts
common to everyday observation. AS
every one knows to his sorrow, this
war infinitely surpasses all others in
scope, venom and cruelty and yet in
some respects it is the most unselfish
contest in all history.
The material ends which Britain.
France, the United States, Russia,
Italy and other nations are contend
ing for are trifling factors in COM
parison with the great democratic
Ideals which inflexibly unite all the
allies in their determination to sacri-
flee everything for victory. Back of
all the numerous and complex ques-
tions about territory, trade, tradition.
race, etc, which individual states may
have in view, lies the common denom-
inator of political and social liberty
for which millions of men have volun-
teered to figh, aid die.
In the last G.; .rs:s the great strug-
gle as often asserted. is between de-
mocracy and autocracy, the outcome
of which is already foregone conclu-
sion. except to those obsessed and
blinded by contrary ideals.
1t is not well. however, continues
Mr.. Clews. to confine our vision to the
immediate issues at stake. Some 9TH
err benefits will follow after the allied
NASNOlS liC NOAlu 10 llhCly W
more soberly and sanely than it has
done for several generations. Much
of the radicalism, extravaganza, waste
and political nonsense which have
been falsely paraded as progress, and
which have permeated the life OF
every country, will be swept away and
| followed by new and saner efforts.
Already economy and efficiency
have received an immense stimulus
France and other countries are each
making strenuous efforts to secure
the best methods of industry; methods
alike satisfactory to capital and labor
! Science and research are doing their
utmost to discover better ways and
new resources with distinct success
Manufacturers are seeking co-ordina-
ton and cooperation with a view OF
stopping wasteful effort and securing
! tribution.
| This movement is worldwide and is
| ultimately destined to show remark
able advance. particularly when the
war is over. Accompanying this move.
ment are symptoms of a clearer un-
Outstanding between capital and la
Dor. Already both have found a COM
mon basis in working together foi
their country; patriotism has done
much to unite them; misunderstood
ings have been softened; the manu-.
facturer better understands labor.
point of view, and labor also has 9
better appreciation of the difficultie:
and risks of the employer A better
class of men are likely to be called
into public life. as is a result of al
great crises. In our own case, tn,
need of this is particularly strong
the country having suffered much
from the politicians whose chief aim,
were to hold their jobs by fostering
prejudice and class interest rathel
than devoting themselves to publi,
welfare and real statesmanship.
This war will undoubtedly force {
number of men out of private life int,
public notice. and not few will ODE,
the coming call to serve the countr,
in time of peace as well as war. In
cidentally, therefore, we may hope fo
better politics shan for the last decad,
at least.