Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1919-05-29
THE NEW CROP OF ALARMISTS
is A SIGN OF GOOD TIMES
Stirred to Hope by the PeriIs of Year
Ago, It Is Their Extremely Human
Nature to Cry Havoc as World
Security Grows

SOlSSOnS anu all ClNlllZaClOn Ilngleu
| with resolution and uneXtinguishable
hope. Tragedy and disaster compose
wondrously inhammabe kindling for
faith in a righteous cause.
The reaction of optimism to Luden-
dorff's mpetuous drive last May was
deeply impressive. The Chemin des
Danes was lost. The Marne was i'm
periled. The monster cannon thundered
daily at Paris. And yet the spiritual con-
fidence of the Allied crusaders for free
dom was never more majestic than in
that month of woe.
The duration of the war was debatable;
its outcome, never. Beyond the night
which covered them men were discerning
the dawn.
Such vision is typical of humanity,
cairvoyant in the midst of blacklist
perils. 1t is the glory of the early annals
of Christianity. 1t saved the Continental
army at Valley Forge, the British at
Ypres, the French at Verdun. Relaxation
of pressure dims it. Times tolerable
enough in themselves beget no such
ecstasy Of insight. Forgetfulness and
often an utter distortion of values super
vene.
Mark Tapleys, happiest only when they
are miserable, abound in the curious
world. Conversely, when the sun is shin
ing their lugubrous gaze is focused only
on its black spots.
81 would rather" cried George Wash
ngton to his cabinet in 1898, "be in my
grave than in my present situation"
There is no record of his ever having
voiced similar sentiments at Valley
Forge. His faith in the terrible winter
of 1777-7S was sublime. Six or seven
years later it cringed weakly before a
mere squabble in politics. He was the
first and only unanimously elected Pres-
dent of a vigorous young republic.
British oppression was ended. The con-
stitution, that brilliant and unparalleled
agent of a just democracy, was an accom-
plished fact. The states, once uneasy
rivals, were fused into a unit of trium-
phant nationality
Was Jefferson more an obstacle than
General Howe? Was it more exhausting
to bid for the favor of his countrymen
than for victory on the field of Mon
mouth?
The "human' side of the Father of His
Country has been learnedly investigated.
Proof of it, however, necessitates no pro-
longed search. 1t is registered through
out the series of forebodings to which as
the ruler of an emancipated and recon-
structed nation he gave expression.
Since history began alarmists have
fourished most in periods following the
release from enormous strain. The capi-
tai of this nation was cluttered with
them in Andrew Johnson's administra-
tion, the impossibility of ever patching
the country together again being the
burden of their favorite tune. Shallowly
misprized became the once passionately
desired blessing of peace. Similarly mis-
interpreted is the great gift today, one
miraculous year after the ominous fall
of Scissors, which then cast US in such
confident heroic mold.
Male Cassandras in senatorial frock-
togas croak enthusiastically in the
legislative halls of Washington. By no
means all of them reflect merely the
spirit of resentful partisanship and hys-
terical hatred of Woodrow Wilson. A
significant number is unquestionably re-
| sponsive-as Congress, for all its irritat-
| ing faults, so often is-to restless cur
rents of popular thought.
Every conceivable manner in which the
| league of nations might fail of its pur-
| pose, every conjectural way whereby
| it might beget, rather than prevent, wars
| is envisaged. AS the pyramid of hypo-
theses mounts, its basis, which is neces-
sarily speculative, as all forecasts of the
| future must be, is accepted as fact.
Identical methods are applied to the
peace treaty itself. 1t was, on the whole,
accepted as a creditable document when
| the summary of its terms was first dis
closed a few weeks ago. But there are
indications now that Germany is going
10 sign it. If certain suggested modif-
cations are adopted it may even be bet
ter treaty than it was originally. The
greater therefore the incentive to ques-
ton its justice. Ratification is SO near
that the document will be valid.
That means that certain specimens of
mankind can safely indulge in their
popular pastime of picturing the world
reeling headlong to the demnition bow.
vows. Present security is in a way ar
essential to the prophetic" calamity
howler. When times are griinly tragic
he plucks up courage.
That is humanity's way and it is best
understood by recognizing the psychi,
waves in relation to the events which
impel them. Strictly in accord with an
sncient conventional outline have beer
the tides Of emotion that have surge,