The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1921-11-17
AMENITIES OF PROPAGANDA

Under the heading, Civilization now engaged
in business Of propaganda, the Jacksonville Me
tropolis presents fine editorial which we reprint.
But if that paper had been so minded it might
have burted out a good many interesting details
under that head which it omitted. The truth is,
practically everything exciting in the daily news Of
the last three months is Ineligible only as part of
the general system of propaganda to mould public
sentiment for or against war, to catch the drift
Of popular feeling.
Our enterpnslng contemporary might also re-
cord the fact that in the contest to date the peace
crowd has scored an important, though not neces-
sary decisive advantage, which needs only fur
Their aggressive action TO translate into victory.
This is noticeable in the apathy with which the
old fashioned war arguments are received. he
people have failed to fall for the pomp and pan
oply of war though invited in the most spectacu-
lar manner to do
The burial of the unknown soldier and the re-
gal ceremonies connected herewith, were, no
doubt, designed to reconcile the public to the hard
ships of fighting, losing and dying for whatever
tary governments are grateful to the soldiers after
they are dead. But the public accepted ii in diff
ferent spirit. Instead of envying the unknown
martyr the honors showered upon him, they re-
called his sufenngs, the anguish of his friends to
whom his fate is forever unknown, and raised yet
louder voice for the cessation of the horrible,
senseess system which calls fer such sacrifices.
More notable, however, is the failure of the
French heroes to get satisfactory rise out of
the people. Though presented to the public un-
der conditions which guaranteed them hearing
and encouraged applause, Foch and BRAND have
proven frosts While the people greet them with
the hospitality that part of our national character
they show no signs of being impressed with their
constantly reiterated statements that they've got to
lick Germany little before they can feel
safe in disbandng their million soldiers
To cur British cousins belong good deal Of
credit for shaterng the war Illusions which might
have prevented this country from standing as
unit behind every peace move in the present con-
ference. Britain sent the right men here, and
kept the right men at home-whch is lust what
France did not do. Arthur Balfour is states
man, morally and Intellectually head and shoul-
ders above the prominent members of the
present British government He is big and broad
enough TO comprehend world problems from a
world point of view.
Furthermore, and far from least in the equation
of propaganda that is now being worked out, H.
C. Wells, though here in an unofficial capacity
is host in himself One Of The worlds most ac-
complished writers, he is saying things today which
millions of Americans have thought, and did not
dare to say, for the last five years. His extern
sive knowledge, his clear VISION his intense earn
esness and his known devotion to the cause of hui
mainly coupled with his inimtable powers Of ex-
preston, qualify him as the spokesman of peace
for the two great English speaking nations.
Right now therefore. the FIRE eaters are dis
couraged and at disadvantage The two ma
tons which came TO the conference as apologsts
for the war god are largely discredted. The i'm