Evening star., 1942-02-22
The Two Greatest
CopitoIs
By Frederic J. Hdsktn.

ties and the other Is the star Of hope
for democracy in Europe.
Because the United States has more
resources of food and raw materials and
the capacity to produce machines more
rapidly than any other anti-Axis power,
there is more solemn thought than par
donable pride In the statement that
Washington is the hub Of activities OF
the United States. And as crowded
Washington stands as the focal point OF
the United Nations, bomb-scarred Lon
don stands as a great emblem to the
fortitude of people who know no defeat.
| In like manner, each Of these world cap
itals possesses a leader who breathes the
dauntless spirit of the two nations that
| have Joined hands across the sea In the
worlds greatest struggle over the future
! of man as free agent.
! Whatever a mans politics or national-
! ity may be, there is no escaping the fact
that President Roosevelt and Prime Min
lister Churchill are recognized as two
great leaders of the world. Both often
are attacked, as would be the case when
so many momentous and far-reaching
questions arise and demand an tmmedi-
ate answer. These leaders, not being
infallible, cannot avoid some mistakes,
but those who take a calm attitude and
an impartial view of past and impending
events marvel that Mr.. Roosevelt and Mr..
Churchill do as well as they do.
In Holland, Belgium, Czecho-Slo
Poland and other countries that have felt
the iron heel of Hitler, there is without
question a yelling up Of hope that IN
washington and in London, through
Mr.. Roosevelt and Mr.. Churchill, may
be found the answer to how the shackles
placed on these nations can be broken.
And millions everywhere, regardless OF
political views or racial blend, are pray
ing devotedly to such good end.
Net only in Europe are the eyes OF
millions of human beings looking to
washington and London for final succor.
but in all Latin American countries there
is also a chorus of voices in behalf
of HE two men who chance at this time
to stand at the head Of the two greatest
democracies Of the world.
London has learned much by bitter and
costly experience, but still insists on the
right to criticize, for helpful criticism
has done more than anything else to
evolve the present British government.
1t is not perfect, but Mr.. Churchils
leadership apparently cannot be found
elsewhere on the British Isles. Even the
most critical observers do not blame
the Prime Minister for some apparent
mistakes, but say that the difficulty lies
with some of the men in whom he has
imposed confidence. but who have not
measured up to their responsibilities.
Washington has learned much from
London's experience in handling the
war and while there is doubtless much
confusion, some duplication OF effort
and lost motion on the Washington
scene. in the main no one believes that
the situation is so much out OF joint
. as Is often pictured. Often the wrong
man Is selected for some particular Jeb,
vet while one individual may be sue
cess in peacetime effort he may be o
failure in handling wartime job. Re
cent changes and reorganizattons ur-
doubtedly point to an improvement OF
the wartime setup in Washington. These
changes too. came about as direct
result of the ability of the public to
make an impartial appraisal OF the
situation and it's right to insist upon
change. From time to time changes Will
be necessary, for one reason or another,
but this does not mean that peoples
: efforts are being defeated. In large
measure 1t means that they are getting
what they demand.
Looking only at the great world capi-
tai on this side of the Atlantic, WASH
, ington has not only become the center
, of all wartime activities Of the United
States. but the great rallying ground OF
: the peoples of the Western Hemisphere.
: This position of great Importance and
heavy responsibility makes Washington
5 loom on the map of the world, and in
spotlight which millions are watching,
Some of these may be watching in the
hope of finding something which they
can destructively criticize, but it is be-
lieved that the great majority OF citizens
are interested only in constructive state
ments.
There is no parallel between the WASH
ington of today as a wartime capital as
distinguished from the Washington of
1914, 1846 1861, 1893 and the Washing
, ton of the last years Of the First World
War. And likewise there is no parallel
between the events of the present and
the skirmishes, international and in-
ternal, which engaged Washington in
other periods. On the contrary, WASH
ington not only has had thrust upon it,
and almost suddenly. the defense Of the
United States as an integral part of the
Western Hemisphere, but 1t has been
called upon by almost one-half Of the
, world for some kind of cooperation and
guidance Moreover, it is the first time
in the history Of the United States that
sea and several fronts The magnitude
, of the task is so great it is quite likely
, that millions do not fully comprehend
: the gravity Of the situation.
, However, as war fronts increase In
/ number, as they likely will, the serious
ness of the times will become more pro-
| nounced. London, which has seen Its
busy and bitter days, may see even
! worse times, and as for Washington-the
, nerve center of the United Nations
although it may escape bombing, has
been called upon for its biggest Job, as
; signed its most difficult task and en-
trusted with its heaviest responsibility
; Despite much confusion, some errors OF