Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1917-12-21
Constructive Criticism
And Cautious Complaint.

There is no wider difference than between i'm
patient meddling and thoughtful investigation. In
so far as the spirit of the latter directs the inqu
ries which Congress is making into various de-
Dartmeuts of our war activity substantial good
will result Questions of policy, it should be noted
are not involved There is but one American pol
lev either in the Administration in Congress or
In the country; and that is to prosecute the war
with the utmost vigor until Germany is brousht to
Terms. These inquiries have to do with methods
and details.
Is the task of preparing the new National army
for service being performed with due thoroughness
and speed? Are conditions. sanitary and other
wise all that they should be at the training camps?
III not whose is the responsibility and what is the
remedy? Is the intellectually important work OF
building ships for the transportation OF troops and
supplies and other needs proceeding as enec
lively as il should? II not where is the trouble
and what is the best way out? II is with such
questions that the investigating committees are
concerned. questions which If properly treated
will prove highly helpful TO the departments and
perhaps the means to surprisingly swifter and bet
ter results. As Secretary Daniels expressed it to
the House subcommittee which is looking into
navy conditions. "a taking of stock cannot fail to
bring about ways for stin further Improvement
and for still more efficient work in the future"
II is important. however, that Congress and the
euce between constructive criticsm and captiOus
fauIt-nndiug Incompetency should be weeded out
with an unsparing hand wherever ii exists, in quar-
ters high or low. But let il always be remembered
that the object of true correction and reform is to
get better results not to engender discomfort and
distrust As long as the lasts il will always
be right to investigate and TO crtcise, where crit
fcism is needed but il never will be right to
knock" The test of criticism in this connection
is the test of any act Uterance, the patriotism
or wisdom OF which is at all questionable: Will
II HELM to win the war? Will it make the ire
mendous burdens which the Government has to
shoulder and the vast problems it has to solve
lighter and simpler or heavier and perplex-
ingg Will it tend to solidify the nations senti-
ment and 10 inspire the people TO Jealous
and. If need be- more sacrifciaI support of their
country's cause. or will it tend to create cynical
and pessrmIsJic mOou-
1t wiII De well for the public to measure by
this broadly patriotic standard all the complaint
and censure against the Government This will
become increasingly important the stress
grows anG the public nerves are subjected TO more
and more strain. There will be mistakes and mis-
fortunes and a neverceasins demand for personal
as we'll as national fortitude. There will be crit
icism and agitation. of it quite just but more
that will be unwarranted. Let be watchfuI,
then. to distinguish between those critics who are
constructive and those who carping, those who
have helpful ideas and those who have merely a
kick. those who true friends to America and
those who are yellow-streaked sef-exploiters.
broad-visioned survey of what the Govern
meut has accomplished in the way of preparation
since we entered the hardly fail to arouse
pride and wonder in every generous American