The news scimitar. (Memphis, Tenn.) 1907-1926, 1918-11-14
TINE TO RETURN TO DEMOCRATIC
FORM OF GOVERNMENT IN AMERICA

It is not too early to suggest that the United States return
to the democratic form OF government.
Since the United States entered the war in April, 1917.
tins country has been hedged about by boards with arbitrary
power, by inperialsic dorar-a- year men and regulations thai
lad in mind only the successful prosecution OF the war.
There has been no resistance and but little complaint.
Everyone accepted the situation with becoming fortitudc. The
people have willingly made every sacrifice required Of them and
observed every request OF those in authority as though it were
the binding and inflexible law.
Millions upon millions OF dollars have been spent for the
aggressive prosecution OF the war. Much OF it was wasted
%squandercd and thrown away because results and not cost was
the only consideration. 1t was done at a time when The country
had to be careless OF its money II it was to be careful Of its
men. 1t might have saved its money by sacrificing its men
NO amount OF money IS to be compared to the value OF one life.
But the time has come to put on The brakes. The lives Of
soldiers are not IN jeopardy except from disease and evil as
ISOLATION. The wal service fund will take care OF that need
We must see 10 it that rehabilitation does not detcriorate into
Generalization. 1t is a great cause and a pressing need.
The denoblization OF the army is left to the determination
OF the military authorities. They know what they are about.
lhe men are TO be returned at the quickest possible moment.
When that will be we do not know, nor does anyone else not
in possession Of all the facts.
But we do know that America has vet another battle TO
win. It must overcome the Washington army. There is no in
dtcation Of surrender. The leaders want no armistice. The
American people must overcome this army Of boards, special
representatives, dollar-a-year men and others who have taken
INTO Iher hands the conduct of private enterprise.
The present situation presents a splendid opportunity for
,e display OF discrimination and good Judgment. Not every
board should be abolished at once. There is vital necessity for
tood' Perhaps for a time nonessential enterprise should be held
IN check. For a while labor should be distributed in the interest
OF the greatest and most important production.
no more men will be drafted. The boards could be dis
posed OF temporarily, and the government saved millions OF dol
lars. 1t is a costly bit of machinery. The same is true of the
various councils Of national defense.
It IS not wise TO keep business hedgcd about by restrictions
ana limitations Tor ono moment longer than the actual cmcr-
gencv demands.
,u II II is lett to the men at the heads OF the boards at
washington to determine when their usefulness is ended. we
probably shall have to retire some OF them for old AGE Each
ooard reels that 1t should be the last TO 90.
what these organizations are costing the government is
rejected IN the taxes one is required to pay. We have incurred
" neaVy financial obligation Tor moneys that have already been
spent; mere is no reason for continuing the expcnsc The
usefulness OF a lot OF men expired when the guns ceased firing
ana their names should have been stricken from the government
expense account with the echo Of the final gun.
we are not Indifferent to the splendid service some of these
gentlemen have rendered. They also have received honors com.
menSurate with that service. In the twinking of an eye the
government was transformed to a warning nation. No serious
consequences followed the shock Of revolution. The country en-
Inuch better withstand the shock OF returning from abnormal
10 normal. H wv" "oi'
1t is OF vital Importance that we get on our feet AGAIN
business should be encouraged 10 resume its former activity and
enterprise at the earliest possible moment. But before th,t r,n
ne oonc '"e people must march upon Washington and dcrnobii1e
nent OF democracy. "N N"N'ode