Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1917-03-21
LET US FACE FACTS

| MAR has been declared upon the United
w States in everything but name. and
the President recognizes the fact by sum-
moning Congress to Washington on as
short notice as can be given to the
members, many Of whom have to travel
from distant parts of the country. They
| have twelve days. Most of them can be
| In Washington within week. In the
| few remaining days they should be able
to perfect plans for organizing the House,
so that it can proceed automatically and
| work can begin with the address of the
President on April 2.
Events have written his speech for
him. What the people behind him have
hesitated to realize Germany has driven
home TO them with the sinking of ships
bound home without cargoes, with the
cries of drowning men who were carry
ing no aid or comfort to Germany's foes
peaceful men on peaceful ships
Americas instant need is to under
stand what war means. That neces-
atty was once Englands, but her entry
into the conflict was dramatically sud.
den. We dare not advance any such
excuse. Ever since the Lusitania out.
rage we have lived in the shadow of
titanic strife. The situation produced its
champions of preparedness" but GER
tain sense of remoteness and lesurely
undertaking may even be read into the
quality Of that omnipresent word.
The readiness is ALL" and by readiness
is meant not so much equipment in men,
H. f,,1I
grasp of its spiritual significance. We
have grown hardened to crises, to insults,
dastardly offenses and the atmosphere of
possible peril. But we have dwelt in n
false paradise of ease and comfort that
has been swept away in a moment.
This change exacts universal sacri
flee. No class is exempt. No one will
be privileged under the new order
Whether we strike merely naval blows at
Germany, whether we send an expedition.
ary force to the trenches, or a vast army,
volunteer or conscripted. our life must
feel the great upheaval in every fiber.
Mr.. Wells. among others, has vividly
revealed what has happened to the soul
of Britain after the conflict ceased to
assume for his nation its too incidental
and curiously sporting" aspects. And
If Kiping's praise Of our faculty for
turning
a keen, untroubled face
Home to the instant need of things
be not mere flattery. we should be spared
many of his country's needless agonies.
Quick sense of fact, after prolonged spec.
ulation, must make all sacrifices involved
much simpler than il wholly unforeseen.
Phladelphia's share in the new duties
should be immense. AS a stronghold of
war resources this city has few rivals
throughout the land. There is scarcely
vicinity. Never was our man-power so
great, and if our shining history be
safe guide now the matter Of patriotism
admits Of no dispute. In manufacturing,
as center Of food supply, in transporta.
ton and financial facilities Philadelphias
potentiality is vast.
But somo"''rg more than the latent
ability to ,.eye wonders will imme-
diately be yented. There is demand
for actual 'complishment. TINS can
only be att, ned with mind fully at
tuned to patriotic sacrifice intelligently
co-ordinated and administered and the
soul keenly and nobly alive to the full
significance of modern war.
1t matters not how strait the gate"
OF sef-denial, Americans. and Philadel.
phians particularly. have passed through
it before. Patriotism should now make
them willing, efficient, openeyed un.
n fraid and abOye all ready