Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-03-23
why stand We Here Idloc"

n PLACEMENTS of the Maryland National
II Guard. called into service by the Gov
crnor OF that State. arc now protecting the
railroad bridges which cross the Susquchanna
at liayrc de Grace. New York troops have
been engaged in guarding the bridges and
aQueducts which are essential to public health
and comfort. MaSSaCh usetts. as pointed
out yesterday. has appropriated S1,000,000
for purposes of defense. Even little Rhode
Island has made an appropriation OF $l50,-
600. New Hampshire is considering the APP
preparation OF 100000
What is Virginia doing?
SO far as appears on the surface, VIC are
engaged principally in conversation. Large
numbers have applied for commissions in the
volunteer army which II is assumed will be
organized. and short of selecting a site for
the camp, arrangements for the mobilization
of the National Guard have been made. but
this is about all. Preparedness otherwise. is
almost wholly vocal
Virginia should not place the bul.len en-
tlrely on the national government We have
interests OF our own that must be considered
and duties and obligations of our own that
must he discharged.
1t has been estimated that there are 1907
900 German spies in this country. On the
basis of population. if the estimate approaches
correctness. there must be 1000 such spies
IN Virginia and something like 60 in Rich
mond. Whatever the number. the over
whcming probability is that the German
system OF espionage is in full operation here
and throughout the State.
In time OF war the police forces of the
cities must be increased largely and some
sort Of homo guard must be provided There
are few Of us, comparatively, whatever our
capacity for active military service. who can
not take on ourselves duties OF this char
acter. Virginia should be engaged even now
III taking military census Of the popuat ton.
so 'hat when the eXigcnt need arises the
authorities will know on whom to call
In the mobilization OF troops money NAV
become Immediately necessary, while Federal
funds, due TO the red tape Of government
are not Forthcoming. The State should pro-
vide for just such emergencies
There should be prompt provision for the
registration OF aliens. Virginia should know,
and Richmond should know, what subjects
OF probable enemy governments now are
among us. We need not become historical
about this matter, but the ordinary safe
guards which common sense indicates GER
fanny ought to he provided. The State
should he placed i'll position to co-operat lie
with the nation in detecting and defeating
lrCaChcry.
To enact needed laws and supply needed
funds the General Assembly should he called
in special session War is upon us What
ever the theorists and the har-splittcrs say,
war is going on even now. at least on the
part OF Germany, and soon, beyond question
tn" passive part VIC have consented to play
Will be transformed into action. 1t is nj
This preliminary stage that the States can be
OF largest service to themselves and TO the
nation Virginia should act--and act now.
why stand we here ide?" Patrick Henry
asked OF Nirgnians at the outset of another
great struggle. That is tho question to-day
President 'raft's speech helped present pre-
parednesS even more than it did future peace
tended.