New Britain herald., 1917-04-21
Henry Cleu,s ,
 Weekly Letter
Especial to the EIerald.)

>>~~
 Especial to the Herald.)
 New York. April 21.-The United States entered this war from the very highest motives: those of preserving international freedom, justice and democracy against ruthless autocracy. At the same time we have given the world 8 magnificent demonstration of our position as & world power. Our decision to join the Allies in the fight for political freedom-not for terri- tory, trade or indemnity-and our prompt efforts to send men, money and materials to their assistance is 8 step leading to tremendous conse- quences. It's probable influence upon our future can only be equalled by the American Revolution and the Civil war, and in many respects it will sur pass both. Beyond question this great decision has raised us immensely in the respect of all nations, and our prestige and power have been cor respondingly elevated. Henceforth we will occupy a position of promi- nent leadership in the family of nations, so that our future for veal or for woe will largely depend upon IA0 SplTlL III W1l1Cl WE CulC1tS1L0 eAAA maintain those new relations. If they are exercises with ideas of justice. tolerance and fair dealing our peace full advancement is secure. If, on the other hand, we indulge narrow minded, ultra selfish ambitions or fall into intolerant and bombastic policies, our new departure will lead to dis aster. We must, therefore, assiduous- ly keep in mind that the future of democracy depends, not upon the state but upon the individual who must first himself exemplify the spirit and the policies that he wishes his country to adopt.
 There is much complaint in all di- rections about high prices. and indi- cations already point to lessened con- sumption. Food is exceedingly high, and unless relief is found some sort of government food control may be expected as a war measure. The labor situation also promises to be- come more acute. scarcity is already pronounced and will be more so when a half to one million men are drawn into the army. Not less than three men are required at home to support those in the field, so that the labor situation calls for prompt and intelli- gent consideration. There are some industries from which no men should be withdrawn into the army; their services being much more valuable to the country in their present occupa- tions. President Wilson wisely called attention of the nation to the culti- vation of economy by the public. Extravagance should be discouraged in all quarters, and unnecessary labor should be released for more necessary purposes Not only should economy be enforced, but production should be increased by every possible means Some classes of labor may be asked to do their share by moderating or suspending during the war restrictions which have tended to increase the cost of ommodities, especially in in- dustries where war profits and war wages have aggravated inf1atory ten- dencies. Some means will nave to De found for overcoming scarcity. There is positively no other way than py enlarged individual output: and pa triotism and self interest should nrompt such exertions, without which still higher prices will have to be en- dured. We are in the whirl of war imitation and nothing can check it but wise economy. and harder work. Slackers, wasters and prodigals in these times help the enemy and injure their country as we'll as themselves.
 I believe that the official announce ment of the German government that no U-boat is in our waters is correct, as I do not think that Germany is likely to send submarines over here at present at least; nor inspire or order German reserves in South America to organize and attack any portion or our country. Our government IS truly a peoples government; of the people, by the people, for the people; where the humblest born citizen Is eligible to become president and where such have indeed become president. Germany has an auto cratic government and today is tight ing to preserve autocracy. "nlle we are fighting for democracy. There fore in time the German people will realize these facts which are likely to stir up revolutionary feeling among the masses We all have high opinion of the Germans. Their arr lists, their scholars, their musicians, their scientists their inventors ana, their mechanics; are of the best, ana those who have settled here have. as a. class. been model citizens. our fight is not with those who are daily dying for the ruling powers but with the ruling powers who order and cause them to die.
 The mobilization of our finance ana industry upon a war basis is for the time being the controlling factor Tn business circles. Such an adjustment naturally causes more or less 1nha- ton and Arrangement. congress. ls ahout to pass the necessary 1egisla +ioo authorizing the issue of $2,OOO,- 900 900 treasury notes, $2,000,00O,- oOo bonds for our own use and s3oOO, 900, 900 for use by our Allies. since these vast sums cannot be spent