New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-02-28
THE PRESIDENT RESPONSIBLE
Why a Reader Feels That Patience and
Trust Have Ceased To Be Virtues
To the Editor of The Tribune.

To the Editor of The Tribune.
Sir: IL is indeed consoling that at least
one newspaper in New York City insists upon
the duty of President Wilson to call an
extra session of Congress in face of the
danger which threatens our country, and this
you have done in several able editorials.
"The Times" and other papers continue to
place the blame of inaction on Congress.
But there is little doubt in the minds OF
most people that if President Wilson chose
to 90 before Congress he would get almost
unanimous support in carrying out any meas
ures for the safeguarding of American hves
ard honor.
From Washington's time down to the pres
ent there have always been some members or
Congress who preferred the easiest to the
honorable way But when called upon for a
decision by a courageous leader the majority
have always thus far stood for hrm ana
right action in dealing with foreign ag-
gressor. We have no reason to believe II
would be otherwise now. The President and
Congress should work together in such a
crisis. II is certain that unlimited powers
TO do as he saw fit, should not be conferred
upon any President, no matter how able his
qualities.
When Diplomatic relations with Germany
were broken off the resolution indorslng
President Wilson's action was nearly unanl-
NOUS. though it was thought then 1t would
almost inevitably lead to war. SO 1T would
seem that in the present case 1t is the Chlet
Executive himself who is sidesteppng the
issue. The past record of the President has
shown that when he really had cause at
heart he never failed to press for 1t with all
Tho weight Of his influence The fact that
he fails to do so now, in regard to the arm
ing of ships, etc, leads to the conclusion that
he still hopes to find way out-with or
without honor.
Those who persist in urging us to trust
the President" are asking US to continue 10
nut faith in a man who has never yet made
rood in any crisis of our foreign affairs dur
ing the last three years. And American cit
izenship to-day outside of the three-mile
limit is a thing TO jeer at. Under THESE cir
cumstances patience and trust have ceased TO
be virtues. and should be abandoned IN favor
of an insistent demand for Immediate and
courageous action.
Each day that we submit to German threat
and dictation adds to the danger of the situa-
ton. Germany is using every moment OF
DELAY in efficient preparation, while our Ad-
ministration has entirely failed to urge the
speeding I'D of our own preparedness plans.
On the contrary, enthusiastic zeal mas Deen
rebuked and dscountenanced.
A President who has not the mentality to
act with frmness and vigor in such crisis
loses the right to a nations confidence Nor
can one who entertains with calmness the
possibility of the victory of ruthless force IN
the world be relied upon to protect the lives
and property of our citizens in time of ag-
gression.
Then let all true Americans awake and de-
mand right action. whether it means peace or
war In the beginning of the trouble 1t
would probably have meant peace Now we
know not what may come. But we do know
that American lives and honor must be safe
guarded or we shall go down to disaster at
some future day Let the good work of The
Tribune 90 on, c. VI. w.
New York, Feb. 26, 1917.