Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1917-11-30
Let Heroic Act. Be Rewarded.

Lieut.. Gen. Byng won q victory owe,
the Germans near Crambrai early las
week. and two days later the Britisf
government promoted him to the ful
grade Of general.
Two American lieutenant command.
ers In command of destroyers recent,,
displayed exceptional bravery and skill
In battling submarines. These officer,
| and several members Of their crews
were highly praised by the British gov.
eminent, which offered to confer dec.
! orations upon them.
The navy department did not make
any mention Of the bravery Of it's nava
officers and enlisted men until the facts
were disclosed in Great Britain. There
Is no suggestion that the Americans
will be promoted or rewarded by thei,
government. The decorations confer.
red by Great Britain can not be &C.
cepted without the consent Of congress
Apparently it Is the policy of the
war and navy departments to withhold
the names OF Americans performing
feats OF hero!sm in this war. With the
exception of the list headed by Lieut.
Commanders BIakely and Neal Gall
honor to themD no names haze beer
mentioned except those included in the
casulty lists.
So far as the public Is informed
there will be no promotion OF the Off
GERS and men OF the United States
navy who destroyed German subma.
rines, or II promotion should come, i.
will be long delayed, and apparently
granted reluctantly.
The theory governing this action
seems TO be that the mention of names
would reveal military secrets.
The men directing the military and
naval policy of the United States are
conscientious. and no criticism should
be made of any we'll planned rule on
their part which vii guard military
secrets. But If IL is 10 be their rule
that acts OF heroism shall be concealed
that heroic Americans shall not receive
public acknowledgment: .. thei- 2ch:ev-
msn.s and prompt promotion ant
other rewards. then we believe that
the public viii enter a vigorous and eff
tectIve protest.
The publication of the names Of
American heroes on land and sea can
nos by any stretch OF caution be prov
Of military secrets in publishing names
ard comforting rewards. On the con-
trary, there Is a direct military bener.,
In encouraging the spirit OF daring and
emulation OF heroic deeds. The love
O, praise the spirit OF rtTalry in hon
orable achievement, and the desire tor
advancement ara all the breath OF
life TO the soldier. Today, as always,
the true soldier seeks the bubble re-
puta:.on even at the cannon's mouth.
With a few exceptions. the Unite
States has no- been prompt and liberal
in rewarding It's heroic defenders. Great
Britain pursues q better policy, and
never encounters any objections from
the people whom It rewards ability and
heroism. The granting Of medals IN
the United States IS SO slow that the
inspiration 20 men II the army and
navy is lost. Splendid deeds that de-
serve singular rewards are classed with
minor fsats OF vaior. and usually both
classes fail 20 receive recognition.
The war VIII not be won by cult!vat-
Ing pess!m!sgn and dependency. There
is no occasion for the concealnent OF
hero.sm. lie. heroic deeds be publish
ed, and let daring Americans be quick
~ and literally rewarded
ION Post