Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1918-01-22
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In the stress and tensity OF these days, athrob
with developments OF such keen consequence to
the nation and to all its people, ii behooves every
individual in the United States to face the future
with high heart and spirit of enduring hope and
courage. Whatever trials, our mistakes our
adversities, let not finch. Touch to the
quick they may bring to us and suffering.
But daunt us they cannot. so long we carry on
unitedly in the same steadfast determination of
soul with which entered the war.
We are prone. perhaps. to make mountains
out of necessary burdens that in the broad sweep
of affairs assume size less than molehills. We
too ready to criticize when criticisms are bet
ter left unsaid We turn Inconvenience into hard
ships. We are apt to exaggerate our own troubles
and belittle those of Others to wax gloomy when
nv all reason our condition and outlook are
more favorable than might well have expected.
In truth the United States as a nation engaged
in tremendous and the people Of the United
States who are waging that war. so far have had
so few disbursements and plumbers to dishearten
them that. while they need not discount them for
less than they are worth. fail to correct them
and combat them when possible. vet should we
profit bv our lessons. take insDiration from our
successes and drive onward with renewed impetus
and increasing fortitude.
Have we been slow to assemble the re-
n
we have that labor has been based upon broad
and frm foundation which otherwise might never
have been laid. We were fortunate in that we
had the time, rather. than blameworthy in that
we took it, Have We been beset with internal
difficulties and crises? So few have there been
that against those of other nations the comparison
finds we'll nigh free of any discord or insur
mountabIe troubles Have our leaders erred or
failed to live up fully to the giant performances
required of them? We had no right to demand
perfection. They doing their best and the
weaknesses. the missteps, dwindle in the face OF
the aIl-important results they achieving.
Fault-finders can pluck at defects and haunt them
before US with long faces and much calamitous
chatter We need not overlook the specks. but
do not let them totally becIoud the work
whole. This is not time for picayunish objec-
tons and peevish resentment, but for patience,
Iorbearance and an mistaken faith in Americas
ultimate victory.
The war is stiV being fought within gunshot
OF the enemy's soil and not our own. In this we
have always been and may still count ourselves
lucky, but the distance that divides us must not
lessen our conception of urgent duty We
have been vouchsafed the advantage of taking the
battle to the foes doorstep but let not that lull
to compIacency those who at home. Our sons
are lover there" Shall we not steel ourselves
with the same loyalty, grim discipline. iron and
fire that sends them lover the tOp?" Shall We
not give them the full measure of confidence that
comes only with the knowledge that they are
fighting for a people who will sacrifice and serve
as completely they serving and sacrificing?
When this nation young republic, strug-
Cling for its right to exist. forefathers con-
quered odds far sterner than any will be called
upon to brave. When our own south was battling
for principles it cherished her people never quailed
in their darkest hour. We have risen to might
on the cracked and bloody feet of the Continentals
. at Valley Forge. We have inherited our morale
from the logged vslor OF the Confederate soldiers
who fought without murmur to a bitter end
What have to endure that measures up to the
tests withstOod' by those who carved out pres
ent proud position? What have to undergo
that matches the lot of brothers across the
sea- of our own boys soon to feel the shock of
conflict? Surely, none of us at home but can
afford to perform whatever service he is called
upon to discharge, without undue complaint any
show of selfishness, but gladly and heartily and
with pluck that never shrinks. Let us go for
ward as We have begun, with all our thoughts bent
ON the winning OF the and the securing of a
peace that shall be speedy only it is certain and
1stfng