Elko independent. [volume] (Elko, Nev.) 1915-current, 1917-08-29
SOMETHING TO BE
SOBER ABOUT


The proclamation by the Governor
OF Nevada, declaring Wednesday. Sep
TENDER 5, legal holiday, is surely i
thing TO be taken in sober earnest.
II involves not politics, but patriot
ism; not eXpediency but a question
OF our national life. comments the
Silver State.
In the same issue OF this newspaper
the telegraphic news contained the
report of most determined drive by
Germany upon Russia, lead by Ger
many's great field marshal. Won Hin
denburg, in person Our officials in
Washington admitted the situation to
be most serious. The meaning of the
drive is this: II Germany can really
capture Russia, stupendous as the
task might seem when We remember
our geography, the sustenance of the
kaiser's army would be provided for
long time-a very long time. Rein
forcements would be conscripted TO
his army. and the fight Of the allies
would probably be prolonged for
years.
The government OF the United
States is making vast preparations
for war. Talk or feel as we may
there is no end to the struggle in
sight. Perhaps 1t has but commenced.
So let us devote Wednesday. Septem-
Der 5. to sober thinking and in prepa.
ration for sacrifices which II seems
certain this nation will be called upon
TO make before the war for freedom
Is won-sacrifices OF luXuries, OF
comforts, OF treasure, and Of life itself
in many cases-sacrifices for the
greatest OF all causes, which should
be made gladly. yet prayerfully.
The minds of citizens cannot come
into n condition for a right contem-
platiion OF this matter by making of
Wednesday In any sense day OF
frivolity or idle amusement. Selfish
ness, in any sense. should not enter
the thought. Drinking intoxicating
liquor is a selfish qualification, and
il is to be hoped that saloons will
close on that day, as the governor
suggests. We are liberal in Nevada,
so let us be liberal in our unselfish.
ness. Let us be distinctly sober citi.
zens upon this day which Is to wit
ness our real entry into the world war
II Is difficult TO realize what a titan,
tic struggle Is going on in this world
most difficult for us in this placid
intefnountain region-but the strug
gle Is OF such magnitude that all must
sooner or later, feel its weight and
do, each one, his bit" The departure
OF men on September will bring
the reality home as perhaps nothins
else could.
This proclamation of a legal holi
day Ia In reality an appeal to the
conscience OF Nevadans. II is ar
other way OF demanding a nantes
tation OF loyalty to this free govern
ment in its time OF trial. Let us al
heed 1t, There Is a German propa
ganda all over the world today I,
create sedition and so weaken tn,
enemies OF Germany-or, rather. tn,
nations winch are fighting against ;
military autocracy 1t has been callet
the whispered campaign" 1t ha
neutrality-suspicious. completely - dis
fupted the Russian army. II consist
OF splendidly organized effort I,
start and spread rumOrs OF faithiess
ness on the part of governments. /
launches stories of soldiers beint
poorly cared for; OF disasters me
With of selfishness and conniying a
home by those who should be Gan,
are) upholding the fighting men. Thi
whispered campaign" thrives bes
upon excited imaginations: so let II!
be very sober on Wednesday. Septem
Der s.
right we must-for our lives. an,
to finish. Elihu Root, that grea
statesman who headed the America
mission TO Russia. and who returne,
Out a short time ago, solCmnly SAID &
an address at "an American port
AS surely as the sun shall rise tomol
row morning. IL Germany wins in thi
war the United States will become
subject nation"