Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1918-02-19
FEARS CRITICISM
HELPS THE ENEMY
Taft Urged as Presidential Nomi-
nee in 1920--Russia's
Democracy

To The Editor Of the Evening Public Ledger;
Sir-The papers say the Tuscania was
last reported as arriving at an American
port on January II. This was that date
when the coal saving holidays were ordered
by Doctor Garfield When his orders were
gwen out there was storm of protest
against such supposedly unca lled-for and
hlgh-handed decree and this protest, ably
supported by the newspapers, grew to such
proportions that Doctor Garfield. even after
the PRESIDENTS Endorsement was made known,
deemed it wise TO state a few facts, hoping to
impress the public with the gravity of the
situation and thereby enlist their hearty CO.
operation,
Among the facts published broadcast were
those relating TO the shipping problem and
figures were given out showing how many
ships were waiting in American ports to sail
but lacking coal, and further facts were given
out showing these holidays were aiding in a
most satisfactory way the speedy embarka-
tiou Of these great numbers Of ships
Now We need not think that German secret
agents both in this country and adjacent
Mexico were stopping .heir eyes and ears to
all this hubbub raised to satisfy the innate
curiosity which demands to be shown" of the
great mass of citizens of this, a democratic
nation; because, you know. we, the people.
rule And If we are not Shown" we won't
help pull
knowing Germany's methods 1t is alto
gether possible that there is direct wireless
communication between Mexico and Berlin
and all the valuable information in regard
to coal and the shipping problem could cer-
talnly reach the German naval command.
IL would be easy figuring that within a few
days after January II there was q possibility
of great numbers Of ships leaving American
ports for France England, and here was
Germany's chance for big haul with her
submarines. Rarely did she get such accu.
rate shipping information and this was
| chance not TO he missed,
The Tuscania was without doubt one OF
those ships leaving shortly after this informa-
| ton was given out and, although cannot
| nroye the connection the fact remains that
| she was sunk. Perhaps Germany did not
| get as many as she hoped to, and we are to
| be congratulated II that is so.
There is taking place In the Senate cham
| ber at Washington what some call an 'inves-
| tlgation" which is quite characteristic OF
many former investigations" that have
taken place before that august assembly.
We do not doubt that much of this investi-
eating of the management of the war is due
to an honest endGavor 10 correct faults and
| bring about more efficient management, but
| some of the absurd methods of the investi-
| eating committee and some statements of
| oratorical Senators surely only bring
forth a feeling of disgust from the interested
| public to whom these investigators seem
| to forget that they are responsible
| Some of these Senators are insisting on
| the open discussion of questions of grave
| concern to the safety of troop movements and
| the progress of the war, giving no thought as
| TO how joyfully Berlin will welcome such
| valuable information.
Now that we have brought to our atten-
| ton In the sinking of the Tuscana what
can result from the giving out of information
| lust to satisfy curious public or stubborn
| congressman and thereby hope to achieve co.
| operation and Coordination" is IL not hiKf
time to call a halt on such foolishness7
These same investigators who demand go.
| ordinatIon" seem to lack that very element
In their Investigation, and to read their
4 speeches and the questions they put at cabi.
| net members and others recalls some in,mor
tai statements that have graced the congress
sionai halls, such as the reference at one
time made to the Swiss navy" and man,
others that could fll a book.
We also find politicians taking advantax,
OF all this stir TO further their own part,
claims, and newspapers quite ready to hell
4 out In this propaganda
In the face Of all this. the investigation
is becoming a stencil TO American citizen,
who are really Interested in the welfare o
Inc cause and who have those Of their owr
blood among the boys at ths front, and .,
far ti,9y can see small advantago Il
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