Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1941-01-02
1 Might Be
|Wrong--BUT|
by p. G. Stromberg

The address of President
Roosevelt last Sunday night
was an inspiration to free men
throughout the world. It was
more than an inspiration to the
people of Great Britain. To
them it probably served to
strengthen and encourage more
than any other single incident
of the war. To Americans it
was a call to service and a
notice that our Government
recognizes the futility of ZAP
peasing tiger by stroking its
fur" The President clearly
expressed the general feeling
of the people of the country.
He served notice on all to be
prepared to make sacrifices. He
told capital and labor that they
should not hinder the defense
program through strikes or
lockouts, but should settle their
problems through peaceful and
orderly processes.
Reactions indicated since leave
no doubt that the President
expressed the sentiment of the
great majority of our citizens.
Even his severe critics join in
praising the fine expression Of
Americas sentiment.
The Presidents primary pur-
pose was to awaken the country
to a realization that we should
recognize the imminent and inn
mediate danger to our demo-
cratic institutions. The Axis
powers have pronounced their
enmity to all democracies and
to accept Nazi success and lend
our support to any peace move
ment at present, would prove
only a breathing spell during
which Hitler could consolidate
his gains and prepare for an
acknowledgements and mill
tary-against the Western Hem
isphere. And WHO BUT U. S.
in the Western Hemisphere
would his blows be aimed at?
All of this the President dra-
matically portrayed-and more.
He not only pledged full and
complete sympathy with Eng
land and her Allies, but told
the Dictators that not any group
of them could weaken our pur-
pose with their blatant threats.
That the Axis powers are
doomed to defeat is Mr.. Roose-
velt's opinion which, he said, is
based upon recent and reliable
information.
When history records the pres
ent it will show how fully Ameri-
cans appreciate forceful leader
ship. 1t will point to the fact
that a great peoples response to
a great leaders appeal proves
the case for democracy. 1t will
show that the spirit of people
is even more powerful than arms.
In almost any contest, be it a
friendly game of cards, an ath-
letic game, a prize fight, a poll
teal campaign, a diplomatic
maneuver or open warfare, the
measure of any thrust can be
tested by it's effect on the OPPOSE
ton. And by such test Presi-
dent Roosevelt's thrust last Sun
day caused so much wailing and
moaning in Germany and Italy
as well as explanations in Japan
that we can all well be assured
that the blow was timely, we'll
directed and landed right on the
chins Of those for whom it was
intended.
Those of us who live through
the trying months Of the winter
Of 1917 when Germany pro-
claimed her policy Of unrestricted
submarine warfare and Presi-
dent Wilson'S warning that she
would be held to "a strict ac-
countability," can't help but feel
that We are witnessing another
such period. Wilson made
ericans proud Of their country
through his forceful chal-
Of aggression. Roosevelt
makes us proud to be
cans in like manner.
discussing last Sundays
le Chat with a man for
entertain a high regard
-L ~