The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1918-02-08

Congress and The Tuscania Incident

Congress and The Tuscania Incident
The destruction of the American transport
came at a time when the American people were
insistently demanding that our war leaders tel
us exactly what has been done toward putting &
trained and well equipped army in France
The first flush of excitement following the
voting of millions of dollars of war credits, the
mobilization of our soldiers and the raising OF
funds for the Red Cross and Y. M. c. A. has dis
appeared in call for an accounting of the stew,
ardship of our leaders.
Congressional committees probing a
falling down Of our military activity when the
news of the sinking of the Tuscana was flashed
across the continent
The loss of this transport will accelerate our
war spirit. If some dreamed of an early peace,
their slumbers received rude shock. Ii others
believed the United States could take her good
natured time in preparing for the German oftens-
i've. they learned that our foe never overlooks an
opportunity to strike hard and Unexpectedly. II
some believed that the stories of the sinking of
Red Cross and hospital steamers were exaggera-
tons, their faith proved disappointment.
Both government officials and private citi-
zens have proof now that we are dealing with
foe who still is undefeated and who has not de-
parted from the barbarous program of winning
at all costs, if that includes the forsakng OF
every rule of civilized warfare and of decency.
The Tuscania incident demonstrates with
positive proof that Germany intends to carry out
her policy of ruthless warfare to the grim end.
This is the program which we must defeat.
The loss of the transport calls on America to
speed up her war preparations. If there is in
efficiency and red tape in Washington bureaus,
eliminate it at once. We have dallied long
enough. The people have backed the govern
ment with money and loyalty.
They demand that Congress introduce rene
dial measures at once. The people don't care
now who was responsible for the laundering
They want the mistakes corrected They want
their confidence in the military establishment re-
stored. They do not care for further investiga-
tions. They want the assurance that a new sys-
TEN has been inaugurated that will prevent
blunders.
Congress represents the will of the people.
The will of the people today is that this war
be hurried to a glorious conclusion. They have
given their money and their sons for this cause.
They want results, or at the next congressional
election they will send men to Washington who
will carry out their wishes. The candidate
who goes before the people with the slogan,
Hurry things to win the war;" is the man who
is going to Congress
The Tuscania incident has not dampened the
ardor of the people for the war. They expect
transports to be lost. They expect thousands of
our young men to fall in France and Belgium.
But they also expect Congress to eliminate
the appalling efficiency that has been disclosed in
the last four weeks. They want action and if
the present Congress does not respond, other rep
resentatives will be elected to carry out this ex
pressed and determined will of the people.