Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1941-08-21
/ Might Be.

by P. G. Stromberg.

"
issues in connection with the
defense program there is only
one real thought in the minds
Of all who are true Americans.
That thought is PEACE. Re-
CARELESS of the charges that
President Roosevelt has always
made a plea for peace while at
the same time going one step
nearer war it is a fact that
developments of the past few
years will show, and history
will record, the attitude of
America as constantly directed
toward PEACE.
AS see it there is no differ
ence of opinion as to the ulti-
mate aim, or purpose and hope
of the outcome of the present
emergency. There is no father
or mother, brother or sister, son
or daughter who does not con-
ceive the ideal American way of
life to be that of peaceful pur-
suit of happiness, security and
contentment. They differ as to
the means of securing those
ideals and the methods Of MAIN
tanning them. To mould public
opinion on one strong and cer-
tain method of insuring those
American rights is the biggest
job facing the leaders of Amer
lea in this year of 1914. It is
entirely improper to impugn un-
patriotic motives to those who
are content to follow a "do
nothing course" Yetoit is
entirely patriotic, more than that
ss--it is a patriotic duty, for all
to do what they can to help
direct thought in channels calcu-
lated to unity the thought and
patriotic fervor of the people
of America. This effort should
and MUST be directed toward
absolute support of the policies
our government adopts with
reference to foreign affairs.
There should be, (and there
MUST NOT BE if we are to
survive in an America as we
have known it) a unity of pur-
pose and thought among our
populace which will tell the
world that there is no earthly
power which can successfully
challenge our determination to
carry on the system of govern
ment conceived and fought for
by our forebears.
1t is most unfortunate that a
battle in Congress should be
waged at this time on a ques-
ton of length of military serv-
ice for those who are in the
age limits. Throughout the his
tory of this republic men of
military age have been called
on to serve in times of emer-
gency. They will be called on
in the future whenever there
appears to be need. The battle
in Washington served only to
lend encouragement to those
who have openly or otherwise
opposed our effort to become
powerful enough to protect our
selves. The battle of words had
nothing whatever to commend it
to future generations for study.
It did have the undesirable eff
feet of delivering a solar plexus
blow to the morale of the men
in uniform. Coupled with the
effect created by discharge of
men over twenty-eight years of
age a condition has been set up
which will take time to wipe
out. 1t will, however, be over
come and the final result will be
healthy. These young men in
uniform are our disciples of
peace and they should be filled
with a crusading spirit toward
that end. They are not and they
will never be professional SOL
diers. They are all young men
who know the comforts and
pleasures of home. They recog-
nize the need for their sacrifice
and MOST of them are proud
of the part they play.
An assured peace for the COM
ing generations is worth all the
effort and sacrifice this genera
ton can expend. A peaceful
world in which all nations are
free of the burden Of huge mill