The Ypsilanti daily press. (Ypsilanti, Mich.) 1928-1962, 1942-07-28

TlgltS tt TeT.hl ItdlCu or spe'lt
dispatches herein. are also reserved
MEMBER MICHIGAN
LEAGUE or HOME DAILlES
Nationa. Advertising Representatly,
SCaeerer and co.
AS Lexington Ave. New York
IS Z. Wacker Drive. CAicaso
TUESDAY. JULY IS. 1912
TOO MUCH CONFIDENCE
In spite Of unfayorable news re-
ports. drives for emergency ma.
terial and all kinds Of publicity
there is concern in high official
quarters in Washington over what
is regarded as the failure OF the
American people generally TO real
ize the seriousness OF the situation
confronting the United Nations.
The natural confidence OF the
people in the ability Of America,
once i, has modified its full hght-
ing strength, 10 lick any enemy
in the world is believed TO be lead.
ing the country 70 overlook the
facts that time is not neutral in
this war.
People are inclined 20 be too
optimistic about the ultimate out
come Of the war Reports reaching
the government from various parts
Of the country indicate general feel
ins that the main issue involved in
the war is th= question OF how long
It Will take TO defeat the Axis
There is insufficient realization
on the part Of the public Of the fact
that the United Nations can con-
tinus to lose this war, as We have,
with few exceptions. been losing it
steadily since Dec :.
Lack Of realization Of this fact IS
no doubt responsible for the failure
OF the people individually TO show
greater determination in getting
ahead with the war effort.
This is true especially in the
case Of voluntary sacrifice by the
people in their own lives. Most
Of the sacrifices being made are
compulsory. In the first system OF
gas rationing. for instance, many
average citizens in the eastern
states sought TO obtain more gas
than was absolutely essential for
their occupational needs, and the
general attitude OF the people is
TO regard the war as an unpleasant
task that has TO be undertaken. but
with the least possible disturbance
TO their individual lives.
Some high Administration Of
ficlals feel that If the seriousness
OF the situation was made palmer
10 the country, especially that there
is danger OF the United Nations
losing the war. the people would
quickly respond with greater de-
termination in their individual con
-tHibHtions- 10 the war effort.
There is, Of course, no desire 10
discourage the people, or 10 cause
them 10 give way 10 despair. but i
is felt thar something should be
done 70 eliminate any compiacent
feeling that because the United
States never mas lost a war it
cannot lose this one.
Secretary Of State Hull has pub
licly said the history Of this coun-
try shows that bad news only tends
10 make the American people more
resolute and determined and II is
on that theory that the true status
OF international affairs is being
frankly discussed.
An immediate need seems 70 be
general realization Of our danger
on the part Of the people and bet
TER organization on the part Of the
government 4 general demand,
Tor example is for centralized lead.
ership We nope 20 sea announce.
ment Of steps in that direction soon.
Another move that would help 70
stimulate the public would be clear.
ance OF the surplus rubber supply
lying in little heaps all over the
country So long as this rubbe.
remains in sight il leaves the i'm
preston that the rubber drive was
Of as little value as the paper dri {
and that the government Is trying
TO scare the people by cryinl
Wolf The people need 70 know
that transportation is contrlbutin.
to delay in moving rubber. thel
should be told that the government
is grateful for the fine respons,
ana that no part Of their contri
button will be wasted.
Il is impossible TO realize hos
many barriers must be oyercom
in hasty preparation for war. hos
difficult It is to fight without some
thing TO night with and how Difficult
It is to transport troops and sur
plies sufficient 10 meet the enem
on foreign ground There will b
delays and reverses. but the Amer
can people have always rssponde
and will continue 10 respond W
can't afford to lose this war.