Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1918-01-23
STRAINED RELATIONS

White House and the senate are becoming more and
moro strained. 1t may be that the element in the SEN
ate which supports the criticism of administration war
methods to which such decided objection has been taken
by the president cannot command a majority in the up
per house. That remains to be seen. But at any rate
the critical element is strong and numerous. and 1t
seems inclined to assert itself.
The statement made by the president conforming
the address Of Senator Chamberlain in New York as a
distortion of the facts, and ascribing it, in very plain
terms, to Opposition to the administrations whole
policy rather than to any serious intention to reform
its practice" is certainly unusual enough to attract at
tention. And it may be that the attitude of Senator
Chamberlain has also been sufficiently unusual to war
rant unusual methods in dealing with it.
One of the things that sands out most strongly in
the presidents statement is his unqualified endorsement
Of Secretary Baker. Popular sentiment with reference
to public officials changes quite rapidly. There has
been a marked change in the general attitude toward
some Of the members of the cabinet. For a long time
Secretary Daniels was regarded by a considerable num-
ber of Americans as a rather poor joke. He was often
described, in substance, as a talkative press agent who
devoted most of his attention to exploiting himself, and
who was utterly incapable Of managing the affairs of
the navy department. Secretary Baker was looked
upon with some Indifference. and with some approval.
Lately sentiment has changed. Whether it is be-
cause Mr.. Daniels has changed his methods or for some
other reason there is an inclination t. regard him with
less disfavor, and the management of the navy depart
ment appears generally to be considered in a more
favorable light. The army department has lately been
the target for criticism, and Mr.. Baker has been de.
nounced as unfit.
The president makes it clear that any movement
to take control Of war work and vest it in others will
be opposed by him to the extent of his ability. and he
takes occasion, in serving notice to this effect, to declare
his thorough confidence in his subordinate. and his in
tsntion to see him through.
The situation is not a comfortable one. If the
criticisms Of the war department are merited the sooner
MI. Baker is supplanted the better for the county. If
they are not. the tone of the criticisms is decidedly un-
fortunate. As in SO many other matters, the general
public is not in possession Of enough facts to enable it
to Judge intelligently. The president is comnaander-in
chief Of the armies and navies Of the nation. He is en-
dowed with great power, and upon him rests a response
bilhy that he cannot shift to others. No one can ques-
ton his patriotism. Many people do question his ex-
ecuttve ability. But, whatever the facts may be. he
must perform his duty as he sees it, and if he is con-
WINGED that the men whom he has selected to aid him
in the carrying out Of his work are the right men for
their places. he must stand by them through thick and
thin.
Congress has its duty to perform. It's members
are charged with responsibility for highly important
work. 1t is their business to inform themselves as to
the manner In which the work is being carried on, and
II they are convinced that grave mistakes are being
made 1t is their duty to see that they are rlghted, if
that is possible.
The whole situation resolves itself into one in which
the differences must be worked out as best they may be-
: and the question of who is right or wrong will be deter
mined by the results. In the meantime those Of Il,
! who are not closely in touch with the workings Of thu
! government. and who have no means for informing our.
selves on the multitude Of details on which iudrna.n,
must be based. must sit tight. reserve judgment, and in
AL cases be ready to help.