The Skyland post. [volume] (West Jefferson, N.C.) 193?-1988, 1941-12-18
(By Staff Writer)

attack ana QeCldTallOu VI Wal W
japan, all conflicting groups II
this city became united in thell
demand to crush Japan with the
greatest possible speed.
All partisanship, all isolation.
ism, all labor difficulties and al
selfish causes were swept away II
the surge of patriotism which fol
lowed the realization that the
United States was forced to fight
that our freedom and future de-
pended upon the immediate mob
ilization of all forces to battle fol-
our survival.
Since that fateful Sunday, Dec
ember Z, when the news flash
came that Japan had attacked Ha-
waii-which was Immediately fol-
lowed by'a meeting of the cabl-
net and an immediate declaration
of war by congress-this city has
been bristling with military actl-
witty and with staccato-like orders
from all government departments
aimed at turning the valves OF de-
mocracy on in full force.
Washington is now virtually the
chief military headquarters Of the
world, and is in constant confer
ence with democratic forces IN
every corner of the globe. All do
nestle matters which seemed I'M
portant two weeks ago have been
side tracked to give an open track
to all moves having to do with the
war.
Officials here agree that the
unity of the nation today is even
greater han it was at the out
break of the last World war. At
that time the attack on the Lusi-
tania cause ed nationwide resent
ment but DOT nearly equal to the
anger aroused by the deliberate,
unexpected bombing attacks on
American soil made by the Japan
csc and planned by Hitler.
Never in history has there been
such a rapid turn-about Of opin-
ion as was: displayed Immediately
following the japanese attack.
Congressmen who have been un-
ceasingly arguing for keeping out
of war, and were criticized by
many for their isolationist poll
cies, were quick to state that war
is now justified and necessary.
Even the America First committee
pledged its full support to the
government.
Senator Wheeler, leader OF the
isolationist; movement, immediate
ly after hearing of the japanese
attack, said:
''In view of the vicious and un-
called-for attack upon the United
States by the Japanese govern
ment, congress must declare war
upon that government.
"The japanese have chosen war.
We must now exert our every
energy, not only to win but to
give the japanese such a whip
ping that they will not want war
again. have sincerely hoped that
we could avoid war both in the
Atlantic and the Pacific. War sell
dom, if ever, settles anything and
it is inconceivable to me that the
Japanese government would be
foolish enough to want war with
this country.
Everyone, regardless of party
affiliations, must back up the ad-
ministration to the end that we
win. This applies to labor, capital
and all other closes.
The only thing now is to do our
best to lick hell out of them"
Herbert Hoover said, on that
same Hateful Sunday afternoon:
"American soil has been treacher-
ously attacked by Japan. Our de-
cision is clear. It is forced upon
us. We must fight with every
thing we have"
We quote these men because
they were unalterab1y opposed to
war until the attack by Japan,
which indicates the unity we can
now expect from all groups in
giving full cooperation to the war
effort.
All of Washington is amazed at
the efficient handling of the war
program here, indicating that for
many months the administration
has been ready at an instant'S
notice to get our military and pro-
duction machine into full opera
ton. Production will undoubtedly
be doubled or tripled almost i'm
mediately and labor has pledged
itself not to let anything interfere
with maximum production.
On the same day as the Japan
csc attack, announcement was
made that John L. Lewis was Civ
en- the closed shop in the captive
coal mines, but that announce
ment, which the week before