The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1917-11-20
LIMIT. NOT ABOLISH.

stop burning electric light, but it is
most important and sensible to stop
waste
Hoover says eat Y-enry, but eat
wisely and without waste.
The State Journal has explained it's
views, as follows:
Reports coming to Topeka via
speeches given by recent visitors to
London and Paris always point out
one feature of the war-the high spirits
of the people in the zone. The
theaters, the shops, the restaurants
all public places are going at full
blast There is psychological reason
for all this-it keeps up the mettle, it
arouses the spirit, it improves the
1t is doubtful that much practical
of fuel following the reduction of the
Even if a small amount of fuel were
saved, the effect upon every one on
was so far reaching in its depression
that it would concern a little electric
light plant way out in Topeka Kan
sas-wouId be a blow to the morale
of the people.
wearing of mourning attire is prohib
tied. The nations at war know too
well the effect Of the conditions at
home upon the men in the trenches.
we are fighting a glorious war-a
war of freedom for all mankind There
is honor in every battle This country,
only now awakening from a semi
stupor of war antagonism. must not be -
deprived of too many of the pleasures
of life. London and Paris, fairly bleed
ing from war wounds, are gay despite
it ALL They should teach us lesson.
This attempt to create a wave of de-
preston never will aid in winning the
war. Practical curtailment of fuel and
6Hd nd and gFe is
ing more for their daily meal than the
residents of London and Paris.
But let's not be picayunish in our
frugality. We must recognize the
psychology of the public morale.
The above suggestions were writ
ten and printed the day the Danner
order was made public. The fact
that the city electric light plant is
burning a very low grade quality of
slack coal that cannot be used domes-
of this coal would in no practical way
| improve the car shortage problem
| is enough proof.
However. the State Journal, always
ready to aid a move for improved
conditions and always at the service
I of the government and the public. isn't
going to shed tears if its ideas are
not shared by the taxpayers in To-
peka, as a whole.
/
straws in her stack, and if her citi-
zens are going to demand the reduc-
ton of her street lighting advantages
Ia plan, by the way, which is not
even being considered by other cities
in the country, as far as we know
her citizens should carry the respon-
sibilities to their own homes.
A vastly larger amount of coal
could be saved if the citizens them
selves would abandon the more pleas
ant moments around the reading
lamps at home and devote their cleo
trio light hours between the covers in
the bedrooms. Why not bow our
heads in gloom, endanger our morale
and practice what we preach?
The government, for which we all
have profound respect in this crisis,
isn't asking US to darken our streets.
The official Washington order for
electric lighting only asks that the
business house street signs remain
lighted between the hours of 1880 and
IL o'clock in the evenings. This rep
resents a saving of many hours in the
larger cities where the streets are gay
in the late afternoons In Topeka the
hours, probably. would preferably be
between 6 and $50 p. m. But that
is a matter to be decided otherwise.
The fact remains that the govern
ment makes a simple request for cleo
trio sign conservation. Topeka could
reduce her white way and state house
dome hours and still be ahead of the
government appeal.
With it all, we must remember that
the government, as well as the people
themselves, are enjoying the advice
of men who are spending their whole
time devising means of enabling the
United States to carry forth a more
efficient and therefore an earlier-vic-
torious war.
This advice is published almost
daily in the press. As to its practical
bility-that is not up to the individual
to decide. It is up to the individual
to act. If we carry out the Hoover
program, for instance, we are doine
just what is expected of us. We ars
doing just what is absolutely neces.
sary for our own patriotic and selfish
good. Follow these suggestions faith.
fully, honestly and efficiently and we
have done enough.
Meanwhile we must go forth every
morning to our daily tasks-to oul
j money making, if you wish to call i
} such. 1t is the money and what i
will buy that must win this war The
) more money man makes, the NOR,
} responsible he becomes to the govern
ment and to the successful Termination
of the war. We must maintain bust
ness-and maintain the love for Iif,
! that has carried America to the from
: in world economy. education, and cul
l ture.
= If you wish to pick a fuss with you
{ neighbor-wait a few months until w,