Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-05-23
Intelligent Criticism Only

Intelligent Criticism Only
. ETWEEN tolerance of governmental in
- efficiency and captious attacks on govern
mental policies and methods. there is a broad
and deep distinction. The Times Dispatch
would he the last to claim for any depart
ment at Washington immunity from that
criticism which has its basis in information
and its impulse in constructive service to the
country. but the other sort neither buffers
parsnips nor helps win the war.
Just how successfully the innumerable ad-
ministrative problems which clamor for solu-
ton in fact are being solved. nobody really
knows. That is Il story which time will tell
The answer will be found on the field OF
battle. in the marts of trade and in the homes
of the people. a great deal Of work is being
done, by the members of the Cabinet and
their subordinates and by the Council Of Ma
tfonal Defense and its associated boards.
The manner and degree in which all this ef-
fort contributes to victory abroad and con-
tentment at home will be the true measure
OF its wisdom.
1t is the easiest thing in the world to sit
in an Office in Richmond and dream an army
into existence or. by the same device, dot the
seas with new merchant fleets. Actually ac-
comprising one of these exploits. in terms Of
real ships and men, is another matter 1t is
easy enough to criticize the President for not
having filled this country with a mad rage
for war, and for not having inspired Con
gress with transcendent intelligence and fer
vent and self-denying patriotism. Such
critics, amiable and wel-meaning persons
that they are. mistake the sentiments which
animate them for the sentiments which have
animated me country. Men Of real vision
understand that Mr.. Wilson progressed as
rapidly as the temper of the people permitted
and that an earlier break with Germany would
have meant war waged by a disunited and
disconnected nation.
when we know Of an actual instance OF
departmental stupidity or Incompetence. suf-
nclently serious to play an actual part in the
decision Of the great conflict duty and pa
triotism require that il be made public and
roundly condemned. But we should not as
sumo incompetency merely because every
thlng is not done in the manner we desire
or within the time we consider reasonable.
Even II the system at Washington were per-
feet there would be awkward delays and
distressing confusion in practice, and as the
system is a product OF humanity there is no
reason 10 believe it is perfect.
The departments. anu particularly the War
and Navy Departments, have done much ey
ccl!ent work. We have dispatched naval
forces TO Europe, and our dcstroyers now are
taxing part in the campaign against the sub
marine We have relieved the allied naycs
OF much OF the patrol duty in American waters
that they were dlscharging when America en-
''t'u '"'5 "ai We are making ready TO send
an cXpeditonary force 10 France and TO fol
low It, as rapidly as may be- with much larger
forces production OF ships guns armor
p!ate, ammunition, and All the innumera bic
things which war demands is being ac-
celebrated.
In due course We shall learn whether what
appears TO be excellent in reality meets the
need We should be watchiul. on proper oc-
casion we should be critical. but we ought
TO know what we are talking about. In
informed abuse, so prevalent in so many quar-
'ers. does much harm and no good.