Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1917-10-26
THE DUTY OF A TRUE DEMOCRAT.

In the current issue of The Public, that Inter
national journal of fundamental democracy best
known, perhaps for its advocacy of the Single Tax
doctrine and associated radicalisms there appears
a remarkably well written and clearly analytical
review Of the events which have marked the his
tory of the first six months since the United States
became involved in the world war. Everybody
intent upon obtaining broad and comparative
view of the domestic and international situation
as it has bewilderingly developed during the past
few months-as all of us, honest with ourselves,
should desire-ought to read that review and to
study it.
We would like to publish the whole of it but
cannot do this week. Inasmuch however,
the Second Liberty Loan campaign is nearing its
close and is the paramount topic of the day, the
following section of the discussion, illuminating
point some of the recalcitrant members of
population apt to overlook, particularly those
of Socalistic tendencies, is worth the additional
emphasis we give it
lone of the incidental evils of the revenue
bill with its low rate on excess war profits, is the
feeling of many persons that the government, in
Offering bonds for sale, is undertaking to borrow
wealth at per cent that should have been con-
scripted If the workers and producers do not re-
spond as heartily as Mr.. McAdoo expected he will
not have to look beyond the revenue bill for the
cause But indifference toward the success Of the
loan would mean a serious mistake in the policy of
those who are dissatisfied with the revenue bill
Their course is clear enough At the next session
ct congress the fight for CONSUMPTION of wealth
viii be renewed Future bond issues can be re-
duced in amount, and we can insist that interest
and sinking fund for those already issued shall be
raised by taxes on privilege and wealth. In the
meantime, every intelligent democrat will throw
his influence toward as wide distribution of the
bonds now selling possible. 1t is not only that
congress has spoken and the country must carry
through the program as essential part Of its
mobilization for war. II is also that we cannot
AFFORD to create q situation in which the great
financial groups can come forward as saviors of
their country at the last moment and rescue the
bond campaign from failure. The issue must sue
coed, and If in the closing days of the campaign
it, success lies in the hands of few powerful
banking groups, the hard pressed federal govern
ment will not be able to withhold from them it's
recognition Let every true democrat subscribe
mp to the limit of his ability. He can then give the
lie to those who are ever ready to brand him as a
copperhead and Stacker And he will save the
country from these patriots who otherwise will
be able to wiring even greater advantage from
revenue program that has already done too much
TO strengthen their position
Everybody's duty is plain and particularly that
Of the more radical members Of our population
who all the while railing at what they call the
money trust. a They must support the bond
imue if they true to their professions, as The
Public, often their spokesman SO pointedly ex-
plains All the rest Of US, eager to give the gov
eminent the fullest measure Of support, anxious
to zee that the boys we sending into the army
and navy get the consideration attention, sup
plies and protection they should have, loyal
through and through will do so.
The bond issue must succeed. Be honest with
yourself-have you done your part!