New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-05-15
Reasons Stated Why Baker and
Daniels Should Go Now
To the Editor of The Tribune.

To the Editor OF ne lflDuHe'
Sir: The United States has been con-
fronted by three great crises in its history
The first, at the very beginning of its eX-
istence. was passed through successfully
under the leadership OF George Washington.
The second, which ended triumphantly fifty
two years ago, was under the leadership OF
that great American, Abraham Lincoln. The
third. perhaps the greatest of all, now con-
fronts us. and our leader is Woodrow Will
SON. VIII he guide the country again safely
through it's time of trial and take his place
as the third great American President?
Surely no other President since Washington
and Lincoln has had such an opportunity.
During the early months of the European
war the country watched the Presidents
actions with some misgivings. This great
war was raging over the seas, becoming
greater and more menacing month by month,
and he. apparently not interested in the out
come Of the war at all, was making no prepa-
ration for the safety of this country against
the storm which might at any time break
upon il during the war or against the great
economic changes that must menace it after
the war During the following submarine
outrages against Americans, and the subse-
quent exchange OF notes with Germany, each
one bringing the United States and Germany
seemingly nearer to war, the President
did nothing-nothing in the way of prepare
tion to strengthen the army or navy or to
mobilize the resources of the country. With
more and more anxiety his actions were
watched When in early February diplo
matte relations with Germany were broken
off great sigh of relief went up all over
the country. At last something was being
done, And two months later, when the
President electrified the country with his
message TO Congress advocating war against
GERMANY in the cause of democracy and ad-
visinp universal military service and vigor-
Gus prosecution of the war; with unlimited
help to the Allies, tho country arose in Its
enthusiasm and hailed him at last unreserv-
edly as its great leader.
Will Words BE Followed by Deeds!
Rut to some of us who were most pleased
at the stand taken by the President In MS
message there were still doubts. Would the
words be followed by deeds? The country
was reused to the highest pitch OF enthu-
siasm. billions of dollars were voted for the
prosecution of tho war, thousands OF young
men were clamoring to enlist, the women OF
tho country were organizing to help, the
brains Of the country were at the Presidents
DISMISSAL From over the seas came urgent
anneaIs for help; the situation was more
serious than the country had supposed was
the President going into this war with MS
whole heart? Would he follow up his mag
nifcent appeal with the one thing that was
vital for success? Would he put at the
heads of important departments real read
- NO., of tho greatest ability and expe-
rience. without regard to politlcs, OF "ould
he cripple the eXertions OF the hatloh py
Leaning in mower men of small ability and
limited experience? This seems TO be the
real test of the Presidents sincerity. Can
the country trust him unreservedly as It's
leader while. he retains in power secretaries
of War and the Navy who are known through
o,, tho country and the world TO be untitled
for their places? Neither of these men has
Rad large business training or military eXpe-
rionce They arc not trained TO think in large
numbers They are not big men, and they are
~ ,.erv bio positions No one doubts their pa
,rio,ism or their high mindedness, but they
aro in nositions for which they are not fitted.
Tho President must know this, and II, know
incit he keeps them in power to the detri-
ment of the country, can he expect the whole
hearted support of the country, or does ne
deserve il?
Can't the President see this now? Later
nuhlic opinion will force him TO see 1t. But
meanwhile think of the waste of time. the
misdirected energy, the squanderlng OF
,nonev. and worst of all. the needless loss of
life that always results from incompetent
leadership.
A great opportunity for good has come to
the President, the greatest opportunity per-
hans that has come 10 any man OF modern
times Will he seize il and win the ever
lasting gratitude Of the nation, or will he
ZOO nrove himself not big enough for his
great postion'
The whole county Is waiting his choice.
Oh. let him not delay too long
GEO. II. RYDER.
New York. May IL, 1917.