Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1918-10-22
Against Overwhelming odds

Q UCCESS of the fourth Liberty loan is IA
~ monumental victory, not only for the
American people but for tho whole. allied
cause. Next to the adoption OF the selectivc
service system OF raising armies. the raising
OF this loan is the greatest triumph Of the
nation since il entered upon its bclligercncy
and il probably will stand out as the supreme
effort OF Americas millions Cor making them
selves felt in the colossal battle against an
insane military autocracy.
Only rededicated nation, Il nation pull
sating with militant patriotism, could have
done what the United States did in the three
weeks of the Liberty loan campaign. Moth
ing short of absolute conservation TO 4 right
eous cause could have overcome the handi-
caps and the acknowledgements of this fight
But they have bcen overcome the money has
been subscribed and the world now knows
that America cannot be defeated ut home or
abroad. Germany knows what it means TO
fight democracy once that democracy re-
sorts TO a policy OF force.
NO popular campaign ever was carried on
IN this country in the face OF such disheart-
enlng circumstances. In the first place, the
people were asked to contribute 4 sum OF
money greater than any other nation ever
dreamed Of raising at one time. This money
the people were told, was demanded for the
final defeat Of Prussianism. 1t was needed
Tor war. more war and nothing but war.
Yet ut almost the very hour tho loan was
offered Germany announced her WILLINGNESS
10 make peace-a fake announcement it may
have been. but an announcement nevcrthe-
less.
This counteroffensive had Il stunning effect
upon the loan. People everywhere seemed
to assume that the war was over; that Il
victory OF arms had been achieved that the
enemy had collapsed and that their govern
ment had no right to ask for SCI 600, 900
war chest at a time when the war was about
TO end Every loan campaigner knows the
extent or this feeling. He knows how des-
peratey 1t had to be combated and he knows
how near il came to defeating the whole en-
terprse. Only the Presidents fat and final
rejection OF Gerlnany's overturcs rescued the
loan from Il situation which for time seemed
utterly hopeless.
On top OF this came a nationwide epidemic
OF Spanish influenza, so alarming in its
sweep as to produce panic in many commuui-
ties and virtual paralysis in others Meet
ings had TO be cancelled. Rallies had to he
abandoned. Parades were called Off In
other words. almost all the usual methods
OF awakening interest in bond subscriptions
went into the discard overnight. leaving loan
committees stranded and almost in despair
Even this disease did not palsy these faith
full workers. It only served to develop their
resourcefulness, and what could not be ac-
complished in one way was accomplished in
another.
There were other handicaps. too. Many
millions OF men in this country have Just
registered for military service and still re-
main in doubt as to whether or not they
Will be called. The new war tax bill con
Times to hang over American business, ere
atng acute suspense and uncertainty. In
TACT, almost every conceivable circumstance
seemed to operate against the loan. But de-
feat was not TO be thought OF The govern
ments appeal had TO be met. and in meeting
1t the American nation gave the world an
exhibition Of gameness which will serve as All
inspiration for all time to come