Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-12-05

Rumors have reached Washington
that certain Republican congressman
are bringing with them determine
ton to fight the administrations war
policy and demand an accounting for
the billions of money that have been
expended. If this be true, these con-
gressmen may just as well remain
away from the Capital until their
pugnacious spirits subside, since they
will find it impossible to make any
Roadway with a general assault upon
the administration at this time. 1t is
very probable that great majority of
the Republicans will see, as they did
in the last session, that patriotic duty
and political expediency both demand
that they give ungrudg1ng support to
the administration in it's war prepare
tions. And those who take narrower
view will find scanty support.
If the critics confine themselves to a
demand for a statement of how the
vast sums Of money have been ex
pended, it is probable that in a general
way their requests will be met, un-
less such compliance should be con-
sidered to be incompatible with the ma
tons interest at this time. Congress
has a right to know how the money is
being spent and should be so inform
ed, providing there is no military rea
son to the contrary. In fact, practi-
cally all the criticisms that have been
directed against the administration are
based upon the Discrimination of the
President and his advisers to take Con-
gress more intimately into their con-
fidence relative to war measures. A
closer working arrangement can easily
be effected, with better feeling all
around.
This, however, does not furnish an
adequate reason for a general assault
upon the administration or for carp
ing criticism on the grounds of ex-
travagance. The President is charged
with the responsibility of organizing
the country for this war and of plan
ming the campaign. The people will
demand that all branches of the gov
eminent aid him in every way posi-
BILE. They will not tolerate any inter-
ference or obstructive tactics What
they demand L mat the war work be
well done and as qric'-ly as possible.
After the war there will be plenty of
time for detailed accounting, when
all who have held positions of respon-
sibility may be called upon to give a
report of their stewardship.-W Washing
ton Post.
The most Of us will agree with the
Post as to the duty of Congress and
the desire of the people, but we be-
lieve that the troubles Of the Admin
istration in the last Congress arose
not from opposition Of Republicans but
from the Presidents own party and
is it not true that those Republicans
who did oppose the governments and
the nations course were as severely
condemned by Republicans in Congress
and by the Republican press of the
country as by anybody?
We believe that Republican senators
and representatives, particularly and in
every instance from Maine, have gone
to Washington determined to back the
administration in every plan to for
ward the war and force it to an early
conclusion: that whatever the Presi-
dent and his advisers recommend will
be granted. from a declaration Of a
status Of war to the appropriation Of
billions in money.
But that there might be better I'M
Outstanding, confidence and fellow pa
triotic feeling between the President
and Congress is everywhere agreed.