Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1918-07-20

to act. Hard experience has forced ex-
ceptions to such a paralyzing rule of
eligibility and selection. The trained
capacity of the American people is
now finding an opportunity for effec-
tive operation in the real authority
given Messrs. Schwab, Stettinius, Ry-
an, Goethals. and others. With such
men in unfettered control. we can be
confident of a volume of production
and terminal facilities that will amaze
the world.
Lauds Wilson.
1.-THE presidents messages and adj
dresses have been great in declaring
our moral aims in the war. They have
shown clearly the disinterested atti-
tude of the American nation. They
have painted, with master hand, the
~wickedness of our foe. They have
grandly promised that we must not
stay our hand, until we win. They
have confuted the pretences Of our
enemies and stiffened the morale Of
our allies.
TN framing practical policies for
carrying out U high purposes, how
ever. the administration has not
achieved the same success. There is
always a halt and a hesitation in
adopting the necessary course finally
entered upon.
while w were mediating by mes
sage in the field of open diplomacy,
with the German and Austrian peo-
pies, our transportation Of troops was
slow and in small numbers and SEEM
ed to vindicate the view Of those who
contended that the transfer Of mil
lions of Americans to France in any
reasonable time was impossible.
stTvha r~ox -r1~~;o$> hs1y ~
last winter was held up for more than
two months, in order that the secre-
tary of war might visit the war fronts
and gain a clearer idea Of the situa-
ton there and bring back a definite
policy. When he returned, he appear
ed before the committee Of the house
and senate and gave them an account
of his trip, but instead Of bringing
back a definite plan of action he asked
for more time to consider.
1.-THE western drive was then on. It
presented, as nothing else could. the
immediate danger of breaking through
the allied line. The allies called upon
the administration for aid and pressed
the necessary shipping upon US. We
were pushed into action, and thus we
have now landed a million mon in
France"
The former president here describ-
ed the defeat in congress, by the ad-
ministration forces, Of legislation to
extend the draft g limits, which he
declared would have provided prompt
ly, and without hardship upon depend
ent families. the army Of "at least
1000 900 men" urged by the minority
leaders. He continued:
What is needed then to help this
administration most is a coordinate
branch Of the government with power
and responsibility in fighting this war
which will perform two functions. The
first is that Of constructive criticism
OF administrative action or inaction
Aacrtttcism is constructive which viii
point out a defect for the purpose Of
having 1t remedied, which will EN-.
plastic a need for the purpose OF hav.
ing 1t supplied. It is a criticism from
. source Of Independent power which
Will minimize the numbing security
OF official reserve and concealmen,
and stimulate executive sendtivenen
to the duty Of quick decision and &C.
ton in time Of war. Tho second func.
ton IL by law to enlarge our military
preparations at once 50 that they shal
clearly be adequate to our decIsret
national purpose.
RepubNoans Needed.
VIII q Democratic congress furnish
this constructive criticism ana needed
Hesitation? Clearly not. There hayl
been 2 few Democrats In congress. e.
.Ipecia1ly In the senate, whose fntensl
interest in the effective conduct AZ n.
war has been manifest ana who hayl
kshown Independence. But lathe car
OF the majority Of the Democrats. TIL,
has not been true. We may, therefore
infer that q o Democratic consre1
would wait upon the president. woult