The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1919-09-21

RECENTLY SOLDIERS; NOW CITIZENS.
General Pershing Just before taking his depar-
ure from New York. where he was so generously
welcomed home, made address to some ten
thousand former service men, members OF the Amer
can Legion which embraces the men who were Tor
time soldiers in service of their country. citi
sens now. The leader of that mighty host that the
States sent to do its part in the world war
said some things that particularly pertinent
1t this time and that ought to make deep impress
sion In the minds of the young who have return
Cd to taken their places in civic affairs.
Or places they should take.
United States Senator Luke Lee. of Tennessee.
preceded General Pershing and voiced the sent-
nent which the returned warrior enlarged upon
and held out for practical demonstration Senator
Lee advocated the making OF America for Americans
until there is single half-breed. draft-dodging
I. w. w. or mountaineering Bolshevik left in this
country break the peace" Then followed General
Pershing with suggestion to how the returned
soldiers and help to bring this about say
ing:
While you in the army you had an
opportunity to learn something Of discipline. to
learn of the Importance of self-contro and of
obedience to orders. These things seem to come
about naturally to the well-raised American boy.
There has been in army in Europe the exer-
else of a discipline which believe is, unknown
to other armies This has made it easier for
your officers those giving direction in military
movements to make their calculations as to the
outcome; but you could not have undergone this
experience without having received from 1t
material benefit. In the exercise of sef-control
you have, consequence. been given duties
varying in their responsibilities which, in turn,
have developed qualities of character, per-
chance leadership. that better tit you today for
the duties OF citizenship than were before you
entered into the service of our country ABROAD.
These things, however, place upon your shout
ders responsibities-rnuch more is expected
of YOU today than when you left America for
service abroad. Why? Because of your ac-
complishments your achievements; because of
your experience. and justly SO. One cannot pass
through, cannot have the privilege OF, these
experiences without forever thereafter having a
broader outlook life and more serious con-
temptation of it's responsibilities
AS evidence of the correctness of what General
Pershing said these young men, particularly with
reference to their disciplined fitness for service in
home affairs and their responsibility, it is only
necessary point to recent occurrences and devel-
opments which go to show that the people here az
home are recognizing the value of the services OF
these in the governmental and in the indus
trial affairs their home cities and communities
In various places these men are beng installed N
positions of responsibility and trust, some of tho
places being those in which men who stayed at home
and m de and still making big money but which
they say they longer fill unless their pay Is
still further increased and their work hours short
ened Here then, the places and the opportunity
to give TO the who fought and offered to die
iwho worked hours without number and endured grea
prvations receiving only the pitance of $50 month
chance engage in activities in their several com
munities. Here and now are men. disciplined and
trained to do good work with efficiency and in al
orderly manner, whom should be given the oppor
tunities for making living for themselves and fol
those dependent upon Them opportunities such al
others spurn of affiuence, due to wage
increase after wage increase.
For is 1t not true that the better citizenship
to which General Pershing referred has to do will
| Industrial affairs well those governmental o.
purely civic? Men who good enough to be goot
soldiers ought to be good enough. and are. for tn
places of responsibility and of financial reward il
civil life to which they have returned. 1t is en-
icouraging sign. therefore, to that individuals
cities and communities giving just recognition
and employment. to men who not many months ag
were soldiers in the service OF their country, VIII
have not only learned what true loyalty means AM
is but who know that efficiency is essential 1
achievement whether it be for the winning of battle
Times Union.