Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-06-26
What America Has Done

| 10 SONIC extent, peSSlElSu SAoulu
L replace the enthusiasm with which the
| nation entered the war is not surprising. It
is the way of democracy to expect the i'm
possible and to be aggrieved when the i'm
possible does not happen. That within three
months we have not driven the U-boats from
the seas and landed million men in France
is personal afront to many good Ameri-
cans. That within the same period all the
tremendous difficulties of organization. equip
ment and transportation that our situation
involves have not been solved is another af-
front to these same kindly souls.
But they should learn patience. If they
would stop looking through reversed glasses,
they would begin to understand that the
nation already has done much. For
thing, 1T has passed n universal service law
an achievement unmatched, SO early in
war, in all the history of democracy. 1t has
registered nearly 10 000.0 900 men for military
duty, and they await the call to the colors.
Since state of war was declared to exist,
100000 volunteers have joined the army,
navy, marine corps and National Guard. In
training camps 100000 young men are fitting
themselves to hold commissions in the new
armies Engineer regiments have been or
ganized to restore the shattered railroad
systems of France. General Pershing, al
ready at his post. has won the hearts Of
the French people and the confidence of the
French general staff. BY autumn 10000
men of Haig and Petain.
The navy patrols the Atlantic coast, from
Labrador to Cape Horn. The Pacific Coast
is protected. In European waters the flag
of Admiral Sims floats ovee allied fleet.
charged with the duty of fighting the sub
marine. The value of the services he and
his destroyers have rendered has been at
tested, in strong words OF praise. by the
British Admiralty.
Financially, other great things have been
done The people oversubscribed the Liberty
loan by more than SO per cent We have
become the creditor OF nearly all the entente
powers. The Federal reserve system has
been strengthened and amplifed to meet war
conditions. The campaign for the Red Cross
closed last night in blaze of glory.
Industrialy also much has been achieved.
In shipbuildng we have been slow, but that
mistake shows signs of being rectified. I'm
der the inspiration and direction Of the
Council of National Defense the railroads of
the country are now being operated prac-
tically single system. This coordination
has resulted in traffic economies which have
permitted war freight to be moved without
serious dctriment to the normal business of
the people. Great savings have been effected
in the purchase Of copper, steel, lead, zinc
and aluminium for government use. Thou
sands of physicians and surgeons have been
listed for duty, and some Of their detach-
mentS already have taken over hospitals on
the western battle front. The manufacture
of airplanes has been stimulated enormously.
The production of guns of all calibers and
of small arms and Of ammunition therefor
has been increased that uneasness on this
score no longer is felt.
The list of similar accomplishments might
he multiplied almost indefinitely, without
discussing matters the censorship thinks
should not be discussed. The country is not
standing still. 1t does not move, perhaps,
with the suave certainty of some great and
highly organized industry. but in democracy's
way it labors forward toward the attainment
of democracy's ambitions in this war The
road it follows is difficult, and there are many
obstacles to surmount, but the nation, God
willing, will not falter. What is to be done,
will be done.
Let us keep stout heart, therefore. and.
unless we arc informed. learn to hold our
tongue. Not all are cast for the Northcliffe
role. Criticism Of specific wrongs, abuses
and incapacities has constructive value, and
should not be abridged, but senseless carping
at every operation of government merely adds
to the difficulties Of a people at war, and
brings no benefit of its own.