Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-11-23
whenever and wherever the expert
ment Of socialism is made. Its single
function is to destroy.

whenever and wherever the expert
ment Of socialism is made. Its single
function is to destroy.
YOU ARE THAT OTHER FELLOW.
Announcement Is made from Wash
iington that great corps Of able pub
lie speakers is to be sent through the
country under the auspices of the gov
'ernment, after having made visit to
Europe and obtained first hand infer
nation about conditions there.
These lecturers will describe the re-
suits of the war in Belgium and
France; they will tell the truth about
German atrocities; they will impress
on the minds of their hearers the fact
that German militarism must be
crushed If the world is to be made
safe for humanity and civilization.
All of which will serve a proper pur-
pose, but it is hoped that every speak
an urgent appeal to the individual to
realize his personal responsibility and
duty to the government and to all that
he holds dear.
Even now, although America has
been at war with Germany for more
than seven months, men who canvass
their home communities for subscrip-
lions to war funds find that there is
a sad shortage in the war spirit which
by this time should have penetrated
to the farthest corners Of the nation
and be governing even the Smallest
action Of every man and woman in
America.
A few days ago two men stood side
by side before the bulletins posted in
the window of The Courier Office. The
principal news of the day dealt with
the collapse Of General Cadorna's
offensive and the disorderly retreat of
the Italians before the combined
armies of Germany and Austria.
"That is bad news" said one.
"Oh yes; it looks bad now, but it
will come out all right the other re-
Piled.
'And what are you doing to make
1t come out all right?" the first
speaker demanded. Have you bought
any Liberty .Bonds?"
mo"
Have you contributed to the Red
Cross fund.-"
mo"
"Have you subscribed to the Y. NJ.
G. A fund?'
NO"
"sYet you regard all these measures
as necessary and proper, SUPPOSE"
the questioner continued.
"Yes, and they will succeed whether
l go down into my pocket or not" the
optimist replied. with some heat. This
thing will come out all right. am not
going to be hysterical about it."
Neither are you patriotic about it"
was the blunt rejoinder. "You are
willing that someone else shall carry
your share of responsibility, discharge
your duty and enable you to enjoy Sc
curity and all the privileges Of citizen
ship. have bought Liberty Bonds.
have given money to the Y. M. G. A.
and the Red Cross. am economizing
in several ways 50 l may have money
to respond to the next appeal for war
funds. Suppose l should adopt your
view, and suppose each Of us repre-
sented half of the citizenship Of the
United States. Do you think every
thing would come out all right"
The "other fellow" to whom the
Stacker leaves the task of winning
the war, is going to become more and
more insistent on his rights and more
and more cognizant Of the duty which
the Stacker Is evading.
Are you depending on "the other
fellow to win the war for you. Do
you hold your privileges of citizenship
so cheaply that you cannot realize
that they impose on you duty?