Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-06-16
We Are Learning, Slowly.

"A New York correspondent writes:
Two score multimillionaires of this
town may each contribute a million
dollars 10 the huge funds demanded by
the Red Cross work before this sum-
mer IL ended. according To confidential
chat about the swell clubs here today
Following the shining example OF
Cleveland H. Dodge, whose contribution
OF n cool million TO this important work
has set the town talking, dozens of
other money magnates are said to be
seriously considering stalking similar
sums with every single New Yorker
who has a dollar TO spare contributing
his bit 70 this cause. a tremendous sum
total IL anticipated within the next
few months"
We talk OF American apathy be
cause the people are only beginning to
respond 70 the requirements Of war
conditions. We have been slow TO en-
TER the war; we are armin- slowly:
men have responded TO the calls for
troops with elaboration: our boys have
hesitated TO sever their civil connec-
lions In profession and business; the
haste: the Red Cross millions cannot
come from the masses in day.
But Americans are learning sacri
fee. In year. should the war last
that long, we shall give more freely
out Of our lessened boards than we
give from our abundance today. We
must form the habit OF giving, for the
two billion dollar loan and the one
hundred millions for the Red Cross are
only beginning. Almost in day we
shall be asked 10 take another great
issue OF bonds. In the same hour will
come calls for other millions of men.
And again the Red Cross must be
financed.
For this Is war. and the Stacker and
tho coward are those who refuse 10 do
their bit. TO make their sacrifice. We
cannot indulge as we have INDUCED;
. we cannot save as we have saved-each
must learn that this is not some other
fellows war. but his OWN. Each
must feel that II is serious business,
every hour. and that TO stand victim
Of worthy sacrifice is an honor and not
an evidence OF lack Of foresight and
shrewdness.
II a multimillionaire gives one of his
millions 1: II no more to his credit than
is the giving OF one OF his dollars by
fewdollaraire. We. all must give to the
best Of our resources, and learn to give
in tho right spirit. for the Lord loves
cheerful siver. The widows mite was
all she had TO give. and the Lord said.
she hath given more than they all"
And again let us recall. For if there
he frst a willing mind. II is accepted
according TO that a man hath. and not
ACCORDING TO that he hath not. For
mean not that other men be eased, and
W burdened.'
OF course America Is moving slowly.
to q point OF evaporation. for some of
us impatient ones. Our government has
delayed and talked and waited and
stood stalk still-but all the time the
war ieaven was working and Europe
even Germany-has seen and under
stood.
The Old World Is beginning to real
ize, even better than we. that the New
World has grown into giant Of un-
known strength destined to redress the
wrones Of the weak. while teaching
better ways than wars growing out Of
relentless ambitions.
And he shall Judge among the ma
tioas. and shall rebuke many people:
ana they shall beat their swords into
,,ovshares, and their spears into prun-
inshoohs, nation shall not lift up sword
ssa,nst nation, neither shall they learn
war any more" /
Perhsps ~ are slowly learning that
"a ~ q uss 70 the world. to fulnll our
...:. !. - T'' ''''' have = willing