Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial. (Wilmington, Del.) 1878-1928, 1921-05-19

toward our greatest effectiveness In
the war. Nothing must stand between
us and the goal" Garfield issued
the order. The storm broke
The newspapers. or most of them, RACED
the next morning. Mr.. Garhelds stu
pidity" was displayed In big type, and
editorially he was roasted over a hot
coal fire.
About midnight that night, just as !
reached home. long distance called
me. The editor of a great newspaper
In New York was on the other end of
the telephone line. His paper had given
the President earnest and able support
in his war policies.
Have you seen Garnelds damn fool
order about the use of coal7" he asked.
Yes" / replied.
What do you think of it9,' he asked.
II is the worst order ever issued
was my answer
Il am glad The chuckled over the
telephone. ito find a cabinet officer who
agrees with me. We are going 10
roast ii in our paper tomorrow May
| quote what you said1'
Certainly" l replied, but you must
add that ! accompanied Mr.. Garfield to
see the President when he presented
il for approval, and joined Mr. Gar
field in recommending the policy to the
President. ] thought then and think
now that it is the worst order ever is-
sued. Only one thing could have been
worse"
What was that p, answered my now
rather Disguised fellow editor at the
other end of the line.
Not to have issued it, | answered.
Conditions are SO desperate that there
is no way to save the situation but to
carry out that order until the situation
improves"
Vance Mccormick Makes Good.
Vance Mccormick, head OF the War
Trade Board, WAS beloved by all his
colleagues. President Wilson's regard
for him as a man and his respect for
his abilities is such that he twice offered
Mr.. Mccormick a cabinet portfolio.
Both times he declined. Il serve ex-
presses his life, without ambition for
perferment or honor His very sorl
was in the war His loyalty TO the
President was based on kindred beliefs
and aims. In the war cabinet" In his
special duty. and in Paris he was one of
the men who always made good. win
MUS the neafkS OF MS ASSOCIATES hN
his frankness and their confidence by
his sound Judgment
One of the most delicate duties to be
decided was what to do with the prop
erty OF aliens. The President would not
hear Of the confscation OF private prop
erty, but II was understood that their
property must not be left IN the Gus
tody OF enemies of the country. IL was
therefore decided to appoint an alien
property custodian. For that post the
President selected A. Mitchell Palmer.
afterward attorney general, known
later as ''the fighting Quaker" In 1918
he had declined the portfolio Of secre,
tary of war because of his Quaker faith.
In 1917 he was aroused 10 the belief
that war alone could pave the way for
permanent peace and justice. and he
enlisted with all his soul and ability.
His knowledge of the law made him
a valuable and Influential member Of
the Presidents clearing house for war.
If / carry out my plan of writing d
book on Americas part in the World
War, the part this clearing house play
ed in giving great assistance to the
President. viii make a leading CHAPTER.
tAnother article by former Secretary
Daniels win be printed tomorrow.