Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1917-11-28
A x AND SUBSCRIPTION

Why should individuals be called on for contributions
to various funds for the conduct of the war when we have
a government whose business it is to conduct the affairs
of the nation during the war, and to provide by means Of
taxation whatever funds may be considered necessary for
the purpose? ~ 49, ~, w.
This is a question which is often asked, and L, which
the best informed person would probably find it difficult
to give an adequate reply in a few words. But among the
reasons which may be advanced are some which come
within the knowledge of most Of us, and which need
merely be mentioned sto be appreciated.
. First, no government can foresee everything. And
respectfully is 1T true of the government Of a 'non-military
power such as ours that no matter what the intent, over
sights are certain to occur. If, when we started in this
war, our government had proceeded deliberately to carry
out the policy of providing through its own agencies Tor
all the needs OF our armies as they might develop, and of
raising oy means OF taxation every dollar that would be
necessary for these purposes, it would have been found
before the system had actually been nut into operation
that many things had been omitted. and that, temporary
at least, appeals must be made to the general pubic to
make voluntary contributions. .
.Thenawe have the influence Of custom, which governs
all OF us In greater or lesser measure. And. customs as
spilled to theSactivities of nations, change slowly. Our
government Is now carrying on work which, in the past,
has been left to private agencies, and this is true OF other
governments as we'll. But the customs Of centuries are
still influential, and while we have changed SOME OF them,
others 4emain.<s t#5.
Again. it is properly the business Of the government
to utilize for the purposes of the war such agencies as it
finds in existence. For this reason our government has
called into council. men Of finance, men of commerce,
railroad men, heads Of labor organizations, men in every
walk of life. in order that the experience of, these men
and the organizations with which they are associated may
be used for the benefit Of the nation. In the same man
ner the government seeks to use for the, purposes of the
war the machinery Of great societies which exist for the
promotion of relief. work. social welfare work, and work
OF allied character. These societies. like those of a com
mercial nature, are called into service and use is made
of their facilities. s n 49,
Still further, there is the personal element, which is
not lightly to be ignored. It is true that the government.
which has levied taxes amounting to three and a half bill
lions for the ensuing year could have increased. the
amount to several times that sum, and could have taken
directly in taxes all that will be collected in taxes and
voluntary contributions. But it is a matter OF no small
moment that individuals should be left free to contribute
of their own free will to some of the needs Of their coun-
try. and while the nation itself is benefited in a financial
way by the contributions made ,sindividualss themselves
are strengthened in their patriotism by responding to the
appeals which are made for causes manifestly desirable
and necessary. 35 Si%a
These, we take it. are some OF the reasons why there
are appeals for personal contributions. And while 1t APP
pears to be true that as far and as fast as possible those
things whose nature and needs can be clearly defined and
understood should be handled as largely as possible by
the government itself, there Will always be need and OPP
portunity for the individual to do something Of his own
free will to promote the work for freedom that his gov
eminent is trying to do,