The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1940-02-09

Der when the British nation awoke
to find itself at war. Then and
during the months that followed
grim resolution-and later bewii-
derment--was the keynote. The
war was drab. No catch phrases
like gallant little Belgium" or
making the world safe for democ-
racy" stirred the ardor of the Tom
mics or civilians.
But defeat of the Admiral Graf
Spec seems to have marked turn
ing point in British war spirit and
effort. The three British cruisers
which tore into the mighty pocket
battleship gave the British their
first taste of what used to be called
the glory of war.
The increasing number Of uni
forms in the streets. in packed res
taursnts and theaters has made
the public more war conscious.
There are reports of big increases
in the output of planes and guns.
But more than that there can be
sensed the new spirit in the way
the people now talk about the war.
Russia Does Her Bit
Soviet Russia's invasion of Fin
land also stirred the British. The
British linked Russia with Ger
many as partners in crime
For the first time the feeling
against Germany has begun to
harden. Before the war the aver
age Englishman looked upon the
German as a good, solid, beer
drinking fellow like himself. There
fore, at the start of the war there
was no feeling against the German
nation, as distinct from Adolf Hit
Ter. But now many Britons have
begun to hold the German people
accountable for the war.
'Blimey, of course they are to
blame" said workingman In a
Fleet street pub. IF the German
people didn't like everything that
man stands for, they wouldn't have
put up with him all this time
There also is growing impotence
with neutral countries which have
protested that British contraband
control is sitting their trade. The
British say cant they see We are
for them? Where will
they and their trade be If Germany
wins ?"
It's England's War
American wisecracks about this
cockeyed war; also have caused
some resentment. The British feel
this Is their war, and that people
to fight should not criti-
CHE nations which are doing their
bit ito defend civilization"
There is plenty of outspoken
criticism at home. In accordance
with British traditions, the govern
ment makes no attempt to stifle 1t.
The blackout has caused resent
ment. Since there have been no
air raids on London, the people |
cannot understand why they must |
continue to stumble around in
darkened streets and live behind |
black curtains.
Rationing of butter. bacon, ham
and sugar began Dec. 8. There
have been many complaints
against rationing arrangements,
and these probably will grow in
volume when the 40, 900. 900 Britons
have to go for several days week
"the brave British break
fast of bacon and eggs"
Voice Of the People
Women and children evacuated /
from London have complained of |
the dizziness Of their lives in the
Workingmen have grum-
bled over rising prices of food,
gas and electricity. The
whose number il in
creasing, remain a problem. Many /
small business and professional
mems practices have been ruined
by the evacuation.
Some agitation against war Is
going on among the working /
classes. But. on the whole, the
nation is united in its war effort /
and ready to follow the govern
ment, which has announced that
Il Ii preparing to fight at least a
war.
The average Briton never dreams
l.