The Madison daily leader. [volume] (Madison, S.D.) 1890-current, 1917-04-23
BY ARTHUR w. DUNN.

washington Apr % Special l.
How long will the war last? That has
ever been the most important question
since the fateful day In August. 1914.
But 1t Is of much more importance to
b people OF the United States now
than Ii was before, because we are a
part of the war.
The ever hopeful, optimistic class of
people believe that the war will he so
short that u soldiers and sailors will
actually have but little part in ii. We
hear talk about a year, six months and
even three months.
Confidence of Our People.
1t IL a sort of a self tribute TO our
power as "a nation to assume that be-
cause we nave entered the war Ger
many, which has withstood a half doz-
en- powerful nations for more than two
years and a half, will crumple because
the weight of this nation has been
thrown against her.
In all probability Germany must be
made to feel the weight OF this nation
as a real factor, the weight OF our
metal and the force OF our men, be-
fore she will sue for peace.
French Liners and German Spies.
Always on the lookout for something
out OF the ordinary there are people
who point out that French liners ply
Ing between Europe and America are
not torpedoed. Seeking an explanation
1t has appeared % the investigators
that n reason why the French liners
escape Is because all the German spies
travelling across the ocean use the
French ships.
Another explanation is hat a power.
full religious order, ~exerting great influ-
ence In Austria and also I'm Germany.
Ii heavily interested In the French
ships and has been able to protect
them.
Working Together.
There Is no craftsmanship OF any ac-
count since the entrance of the United
States into the war. There could not
be, as partisan opposition to the poll
cies of the president would meet In
slant condemnation throughout the
country. AS evidence OF this fact Ii
may be pointed out that, although the
country was largely against war, the
failure of congress to declare war aft
er the presidents request would have
aroused a storm OF criticism In all sec
lions OF the country.
And SO It win be found from this
time TO the end. Such opposition as
may develop In regard to the war and
war policies will not be OF a partisan
character.
How to Raise Money.
There was no trouble whatever about
voting $1,000, 100000 for the war, but
there will be serious trouble I'm raising
the money to pay that immense sum.
Taxation Is not popular, and In times
of peace any large levies would cause
bitter complaint. In wartimes 1t must
be borne. but even then 1t Is not rel
ished, particularly IL 1t bears heavily
upon any class.
1t Is a task for the taxing powers to
decide what shall be taxed and who
shall pay. The proposition to reduce
the exemption IN incomes does not
LIZ ~ biuNh tNuuc II rs Dt-
ieved that 1t will be unpopular among
a large number OF people.
Farming on the Lots.
III the amouct of free space and free
advertising which has been given to
the subject of farming on the lots and
vacant spaces had been utilized for al
most any other purpose 1t would have
accomplished 1t. No one knows how
much good this farming on town lots
will do I'm the way of producing food
which will be needed for the vast army
and for the people who work In shops
and factories.
The matter came up and was dis
cussed in the senate upon a resolution
introduced by Senator Reed of Mis-
souri,, who seemed to think that deli
cate hands which had never known
toll, women who had lived In luxury
and children" must work during this
great war Ia order to produce food and
supplies for those who fight In the
war.
1t was Senator Lane Of Oregon who
belittled Reeds proposition by suggest
ing that 1--WE arm all the senators with
hoes and send them out to make gar
dens." Lane stated that the supply of
food for the army and the nation must
be taken up In a practical manner, for
1t was too big an undertaking to 60
fiddling about In small garden plots
and back yards.
No one seemed to grasp the idea that
the lack Of labor, people to work on
farms, was one Of the real causes of
the lack of food production In this
country.
Must Be Less Waste.
One thing which will soon become
apparent If the war lasts long~-there
must be less waste in everything
Families must save, housewives must
watch servants and prevent waste In
kitchens, and men everywhere must
save those things which are necessary
and useful