Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-03-22
Duty Calls Is ALL

Nh'h
j ing Congress into extra session on April
:. is merely another step toward formal
recognition of a state OF war with Germany.
ermany as we have said before, has saved
Congress the trouble of discharging its con-
stitutional function.
But there are other and weightv reasons
for the prompt assembling OF Congress.
Even the fornlalities with which the Consti-
tuition surrounds the institution and prosecu-
ton OF hostilitics ought to be observed. and
there are many matters OF large import, con-
nccted with the national defense, on which
Congress must pass. For example. there is
the army appropriation bill. which died i'll
the Senate under the baneful influence of
that iiibustor which was conducted by "a
little group Of willful men," Money must
be provided AT once for the generous support
of the military forces of the country.
There is. further, the matter OF universal
military training and service. The m
lain bill was attached as a rider TO the army
appropriation bill in the Senate. but in the
new Congress il ana the general stan measure.
which conteinplates a more extended service,
probably will be considered separately.
Congress must provide funds for all of
wars varied purposes. AS part of our duty
i'll the prosecution Of hostilities. we probably
shall be expected to finance some of the
weaker allies and we shall be expected Ger
iatnly to supply enormous Quantities Of food
ana munitions. TWO new government de-
partIncnts. Of transportation and of NUM-
lions. should be established. with places in
the Cabinet for their directing heads. This
would give expert direction to two principal
war energies. and at the same time enable
IN" President 10 summons 10 his council
board two OF tho nations ablcst men. Daniel
WIZARD, president OF the Baltimore and Ohio
i'aIlroad. and chairman OF the Council for
National Defense, and Charles NJ. Schwab.
chairman OF the board of the Bethlehem Steel
-, ,., - ,r..,rl y
and II their country called there would be no
doubt OF their response.
We sec no reason for joining in the cry
Tor a new Cabinet. Putting partisanship
strictly aside, it is much TO be doubted if
nc" mon. however able and patriotic, could
assume the direction OF government depart
mc.lts. with which they are not familiar. and
render as good service as men Of less con
spic0ous talent, who u vo had four years
Of actual experience.
Under our system OF government, the Presi-
dent must bear the burden of war %po,icios.
lie nc"i not heed the advice Of his Cabinet.
unless he so desires, and If he so desires he
may call into consultation whomsoevcr he
VIII. but The final authority anu the final
responsibility are always his. Even in war
especially III war, pcrhaps-the ordinary de-
partilental business must 20 on, and the
best departmental executives arc those who
have learned their trade.
80 much Tor President and Congress-; what
OF ourselves? What are we doing TO prepare
for the war which impcnds?
Virginia is a coast State, lutte as much
exposed aS any Commonwealth and more
man most 70 tho attacks Of an enemy. We
should be bcstirring ourselves particularly i'm
this crisis. In massachusetts,, on Governor
NcCalfS recommendations, the legislature
has appropriated $1,000, 900 for tho couip.
ihent OF The National Guard and TO meet the
expense OF other .mr.Surpc nf manufactured.
Virginia, like Massachusetts cannot afford ia
leave everything 10 The national government.
when the call is sounded Virginia should be
ready Is not the tim" ripe for a special
session Of tn" General Assembly Of this State?
me Times Dispatch thinks it is.