The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1917-06-14

he may be shown Immediately how to
do his bit for his country, instead Of
taking vorr two-bits from yeu. This
may sound militaristic or even hard
hearted, but it is politically and ethi-
cally right and should appeal to all
clear-thinging and wise-acting men or
women in this or any city as the only
safe and sane action in such cases.
Motives of purest altruism may un-
der ordinary circumstances, prompt most
anyone to be this brothers. keeper
but in the present crisis, when America
expects every man to do his duty
the practice of feeding tramps is Meth
er charity to them nor patriotism to
country, and the sentimental citizen
who allows himself or herself to be
wheedled into false generosity by the
maudlin appeals of a worthless vagrant
deserves not commentator for kind
heartedness so much as condemnation
for feeble-mindedness Changed condi-
tions bring changed charities, and the
serious situation now confronting the
American people in the creation of an
army and the production of food for
its sustenance and munitions for its
protection has materially altered the
old pacific standards of ethics and al
truism
At the present time when the gov
eminent is sounding the Gale to arms
and the call to farms there is no legiti-
mate excuse for vagrancy in any form.
In times of peace the life of "Happy
Harry or "Hobo Hank is only rep
rehensible but in times Of war 1t is
hardly less than criminal or even trea-
sonous. The man who does nothing for
his country is had enough but the man
who does nothing for himself is even
worse. He not only does not support
his country but requires that his coun-
trymen support him. By such action he
contributes nothing to the work of rails
ing and maintaining an army but rath-
ed detracts from the general store of
resources and energy which might 9th
erwise be devoted entirely to civic and
national ends.
Viewed in this light the tramp and
the life which he represents becomes
an iron ball lettering the ankle of So
ciety and impeding it's victorious march
toward democracy and freedom. Strip
ped of the romance with which he has
been disguised for decades the hobo
appears in the pitiless glare of war
naked of glamor and unworthy of pity.
His status has changed. He is no
longer an unfortunate meriting de-
gree of humane or kindly treatment,
nor is he merely a Stacker whose influ-
ence is only passive rather than posi-
lively negative; he is traitor, a trait
or to himself, to his felloWman, and to
his country, and as such an individual
is deserving of neither help nor sympa-
thy.
In the light Of these arguments your
duty toward the tramp, yourself, and
your country should be clear. When he
taps on your kitchen door or on your
shoulder give him advice, instead of
| food or money. If he is persistent, and
pours out his soul in the usual line of
sob-stuff, muster out your sentimental
ity and mobilize your common sense.
Turn him over to the police instead Of
the cook and make it your patriotic duty
to see to it that he is either enlisted
before night or employed at some work
which will contribute to the independ-
ence of himself and his country. By SO
doing you will not only have helped
your nation in the conservation of its
man power, but also have benefited
yourself by an exemplification of that
higher charity which considers not the
individual but all humanity.