The Washington herald., 1917-12-11


Not so many months ago we were
saying Are We united?" There was
a distinctly apprehensive feeling in
the country that 1t might be a long,
hard pull. and never together, be-
fore we reached the wars end.
Today. however, every breath OF
information from the great country
brings in statements of our unity in
the great cause to which We are
dedicated.
What was considered impossible, in
the minds of many lawmakers, has
been shown to be possible-and achiev-
ed even so early in our participation
in the conflict.
Some idea of what the people are
thinking may be gained from the
vote on the Austrian war resolu-
/ tion. Not a Republican or Democrat
voted against that resolution. The
single opposing voice was that OF
a Socialist-and the voice Of La Fol-
lette in the Senate was even taken
outside" while the balance Of the
Senate passed the resolution.
Men who opposed the war resolu-
ton in April did SO because they
thought they were representing the
majority Of the people. They are not
willing to claim so at this time. OF
| course. but the truth is that they
fought the war resolution then for
| the very simple reason they thought
the administration was trying to do
something for which there was. and
would be, no general approval In this
country.
Since that time they have learned
that the country is united for the pros
ecution of the war. They are stand
ing with the majority now, because
they can see very clearly what the
majority wants. In April the ma
jority's voice had not been heard, and
there were so many pacifsts abroad
then that the willful men thought, in
their analysis Of the situation, that
they had a clearer conception of what
the country would stand for and
wanted than did the President.
They have seen the error Of their
ways, however. and they are now
convinced that this country means
business.
Not long ago several high officials
were discussing the war problem and
the decidedly revolutionary feeling
which has prompted men to change
their opinions on the unity with which
we are beginning to face the German
foe.
One man suggested that the members
who voted against war in April were
opposed to it as matter OF conscience
Another man spoke up. however, and
said:
srNyo. That oonnot - A.. A.,
OF these men have been vigorous in
their championship Of the rule of the
majority. They have always given as
their reasons for taking certain stands
that the majority of the people be-
lieved as they did. The truth is these
men thought the pacifists had gained
SO much ground in this country that
pacifism was dominant. They merely
figured they would be stronger with
the people IL they voted against war
than as II they were following the
Presidents voice and voted for war.
They were looking after no. 1, or they
thought they were doing so. Now they
have all changed front. Senator Stone
with the rest. II they'll stick fast now
and play the game as unselfish Ameri-
cans, we'l forgive them though"
And that Is about the sum-up which
Intelligent men here give the situa-
ton. The men who opposed the war
on 'Thigh moral grounds"-a favoritc
saying with one OF the most prom
inent pacifists-were doing so be-
cause they thought they knew Ameri-
can sentiment better then the Presi-
dent did, and because they thought
they would have the support of paci-
fism and its ramified growths when
the war solons had been buried be-
meath q load Of votes.
But. withal, there Is something to
be said in favor of<the willful ones.
They were trying to serve the ma
iority. That y an end towsrd which