Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-04-07
Winfield We Stand"

\Y/li!lt the course and duty Of this coun-
!" Try toward the European bclligercnts
remained undecided. while the nation SO far
rs forms were concerned was at peace. The
Times Dispatch stood for the fullest liberty
OF discussion and criticism. so long as this
discussion and criticism had an American,
rather than Il foreign. basis. Freedom Of
speech and OF the press is fundamental in
American institutions. not to be denied or
abridged. save on grave consideration or
public policy.
But the time for attacks on government
policy ended when Senate and House had
passed and the President had signed the rcso-
luton declaring the United States and Ger
many at war. BY an overwhelming vote, at
the insiStent demand of the people. the state
or war which Germany's mad acts had created
has been recognized formally. The country
has taken its final stand. To weaken it's
military effectiveness by seeking to under
mine the loyalty of Its people is treason. and
as treason an outraged public sentiment will
deal with Il.
Criticisms of President Wilson. with which
the inspired German press is filled. are SO
entirely false as TO be entirely ridiculous.
Everybody in this country knows. and every
body in the world should know, that the Presi-
dent did everything humanity possible to keep
the United States out of war. He bravcd
every obloquy in that cause; his enemies and
some OF his friends poured abuse upon him.
>O'"'' civ NSuhillS he was called DS these
men of little faith and less vision. Because
they could not comprehend his passion Tor y
peace based on democracy and lasting be-
cause democracy is lasting, they scorned and
deridcd him.
lie was a friend OF peace. and but a little
while ago the Germany which ycarncd for
peace SO acclaimed him. He has not changed.
lie is the same Woodrow Wilson he was
six months. and 4 year, and three years. ago.
He has not pushed America into war; il is
'hc German autocracy, ruthless and desperate,
which has dragged her there.
In the proclamation issued yesterday he
appeals for loyal cooperation and the un-
h!nching support Of the government in every
measure taken to bring the war to n vic
torious conclusion. That cooperation ana
that support will be granted. For the most
part even those who opposed war. in Con
&reSs ana without. now give their approval
OF the kind Of war which the nation will
wage. We should present to the world n
united ana lnilinching front; as the clouds
ana mistS or INDIGESTION melt away. there must
be revealed n nation in arms, resolute i'm
purpose, strong in the consciousness Of right.
There must he no more debate on the great
central principle to which the nation has
pledged itself. Discussion and criticism OF
methods and policies. when this does mot
Interfere with The success OF military opera-
tons. vii! continue proper, but tho war is
Tho peoples business. and nothing must no
done or said which will hamper or discourage
those who conduct it.
We can afford to leave questions of
strategy TO the experts whose duty il is TO
decide them. Each Of the rest of us has n
duty Of his own, which each must find ana
cach discharge.
With Cuba and Brazil getting into line
this begins to look a little like a game Of
Hollow Your lCadpr'