Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1917-12-15
Country's Energy Is NouU
Concentrated Upon War

New York, Dec. 14.-The country IS
energy is being concentrated with great
er intensity upon the war. Events on
the front have not lately been of slim
ulating character, owing to the break
down of Russia and the consequent
check upon the British at the western
: front, as well as upon the Italians in
the south. The stoppage of the British
is probably only temporary, and due
chiefly to reinforcements from the Rus
sian front. In reality there is no reason
for discouragement. Temporary setbacks
are inevitable; and the one central
thought to be kept in mind is that the
allies are growing stronger each month
while the enemy becomes steadily weak
er. This applies even more positively to
morale than to physical superiority Of
the Allies. The German government
knows these facts, but fears to let the
people learn any semblance Of the truth.
There is no doubt that the British and
French will be able to hold the Germans
until our army is ready to make its in
itial drive, and possibly they will make
further gains, German generals are
evidently alarmed at the ease with
which defenses deemed impregnable
have been shattered; and are promptly
changing their tactics from trench war
fare to fighting in the open, which will
better suit the inclination of the Allies.
As to peace prospects, there are no
indications whatever of willingness
on the part of Germans to assent to con-
ditions which the Allies will surely i'm
pose. Unless Germany yields there will
be no peace possible until the Allies
win victory. President Wilson in his
splendid opening address to congress
plainly told Germany of our determine
alton to win this war and to reject all
peace proposals until Germany was
ready to give ample justice and repar
alton. If his plain language, placing
upon German rulers responsibility for
the terrible crimes of this war, could
but reach the German people; and could
they but learn the true aims Of the
Allies, and see how they have been de-
ceived and misled by the brutal, selfish
autocracy which governs them, there
would be some hope Of return to rea-
son in the mind Of Germany. Mr.. Will
sons message to congress win consoli.
date and strengthen public opinion at
home, hearten those at the front and
convince the world of our fixed deter
mination to win the war by unrestrain-
ed use of all our resources.
/ cannot speak in too high praise of
the president IS message. 1t is most clear
in its condemnation of the wrongs done
by the despotism of those who represent
autocracy, but is equally clear in stating
frankly our duty to our allied enemies
when they are conquered. The president
calls our attention also to our duty to
our own government, and asks congress
for new powers so that the administra.
tion may cope with the situations as
they have developed and will develop,
especially situations that are abnormal
owing to the selfishness or greed of UNI
patriotic citizens of our own country.
The whole message teens with patriot
ism and common sense and will rank as
one of the greatest papers that ever
emanated from the White House.
Next to the war and the opening of
congress, the most important event of
the week was the report of the Inter
state Commerce Commission. While
merely suggestive, the report was unex-
pectedly liberal, although not satisfac-
tory in all respects. 1t recommended
that congress suspend the anti-pooling
and antitrust laws, except in cases of
competing roads; extend government
loans to roads when needed, and to
regulate security issues. The report was