The McDowell times. [volume] (Keystone, W. Va.) 1904-1941, 1917-05-25


in the history Of the state OF West Vir-
ginis. since its entrance into the Union
when Its lawmaking body assembled un-
der more trying and weighty responsi-
bilities, nor when the citizenry were more
interested in the outcome OF what Was q,
be- done, md what laws were to be enact
ed, than the present one. This is true
because OF the fact that ~e are facing q
crisis now which We have never faced be-
fOre-which the whole world has never
faced before, and being an integral part
of this nation, We necessarily assume a
commensurate responsibility, and in this
case, little more, as the Federal govern
ment has seen fit to choose this state and
it, capt. ,l ss one OF the bases of oper-
alton where it proposes to manufacture
the munitions of war
Wirhal. however. be it said to the
credit OF them, the Legislators assembled
I'm a quiet, cool. calm and deliberate way.
Thy seemed to have been impressed
with the responsibility that was theirs
and were fully cognizant of the grave ma
ture of the duties devolving upon tn IN
There was-there has been, none Of the
blare of trumpets, the Boast OF Heral-
dry or Pomp of Pride" spirit manifested,
but rather a fine exhibition of that quiet
firm simplicity indicative of men bent on
q sacred mission who knew their duties
and who intended TO discharge them to
the very best of their ability One no.
ticable feature about the proceedings of
the session so far, has been the splendid
sense of patriotic fitness displayed in
practically all instances by members Of
both the Senate and House, regardless of
partisan prejudices. In fact, none OF
this 80 far has creps into the equation
and from present iLd;c stions, will
not, but every man has taken the loftier
view OF the situation and risen above
everything that even has the semblance
of psrtissnsbip in il. II there is any dis
position to play the role Of ''petty pea
nut politics it has not yet appeared on
the surface, and We predict when it does,
If it does at all, it will speedily receive
the public condemnation that il deserves.
OUR RESPONSIBILITY.
IL 10 doubtful, whe her the full import
OF what responsibility j. ours, and the
extreme gravity of the same has really
dswned upon tie minds OF the American
people yet. In fact, we think il has not.
IL has not struck home ss yet, but il will
IN course Of time. liz will come. IL 10
bound TO reach US before the adjustment
Of this awful carnival OF carnage in which
We are engaged and to which we have
recently become a party, shall have been
made. We are now resting in the valley
OF the 'lull;" that dead calm between
the declaration OF war and the active
participation therein, when material
preparation and essential assembiage are
shrouded in deepest secrecy. and there
fore, ~e are wont To loose sight Of much
Of the real and, resting in the lap OF q
kind Of false security, he led 70 believe
that after all, war - not 30 horrible.
Hovever, this dream slumber into which
many Of N may have fallen By reason Of
above conditions will be shattered With
W lNStAths Oht ~ Tic uT-t frtl DIOOu OF
American citizens on foreign, and for
that matter, maybe our own, soil. IL IL
then that the real enthusiasm will he
kiodled and the pulse Of every true man
quickeDed and q new fire Of patriotism.
kindled in his breast for he will then
know that 10 10 WAR. This "lull," this
apparent dead calm is necessary. IL 10
the period Of preparation. Ia comes with
every people m every wsr. Ia must needs
be- Ia takes time, money, brain and pa
tiencs q organize - many states a. there
are m this Union Of ours on q war bssis,
10 assemble and segregste the unit OF
war 10 the best sdvsntsge and place
them IN q position, where a million feet
may beat . registered tattoo 20 the tap
OF . drum beat. This - being, perhaps
70 pour way Of thinking slowly done, bot
you may rsst ss-ursd that 10 10 being
surely and carefully done and when IL is
hnished t,ery state VII know what the
other state = doing and Il 10 do and the
Federal Government sill know what ali
are doiLg. There VI oe . perfect, or o,
nearly perfect IS IL ir possible 10 make IL
within the province OF human endeavors,
articulation, between the state govern
menk - . whole and Tie Federal Gov