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Show DESTRUCTIVE CRITICISM Custom and habit die hard. But the exigencies of human affairs sometimes some-times demand that, however painful the demise, die they must. The present world war has been the cause of the painful or painless end of many American customs, and many more are slated for the limbo of things that were. One peculiarly American custom, that has heretofore been regarded as almost a sacred right, is that of being be-ing privileged to criticise those In authority. Public men have heretofore hereto-fore regarded themselves as fair targets tar-gets for every man's verbal artillery, and hence have paid very little attention at-tention to it in the main. Under present conditions, however, the American people are called upon to forego at least for the time being this great American privilege; not at all because of its effects upon the subjects of their censure, but because of its destructive effects upon the cause that at this time should be nearest the heart of every true son of America the winning of the war lor the freedom of the earth. During the six months that have elapsed since this country entered the lists against the central powers ol Europe, scarcely a public official has escaped this criticism. In many instances in-stances the effect has been little short f disastrous to the plans of the gov-e:nment. gov-e:nment. Not because of any direct tflect upon the officials themselves, but from the simple fact that no man or set of men are proof against opposition. op-position. Even the most flagrantly unjust criticism of the most worthv official will to a great extent destroy his influence, undermine his labors and render abortive his best efforts. If this country wishes an object lesson of the deadly effects of divided councils, she has but to look at Russia. Rus-sia. That the Russian people were justified in deposing the autocracy, none will deny. But when the Czar l elinquished the ;reins of government it was to a divided and disorganized people a people with no unity of thought or unanimity of aims. All on earth that the Kerensky government lacks is the moral support of the PEOPLE. But without this it is impotent, im-potent, and chaos reigns. Do the American people want chaos in this country? Unlicensed criticism criti-cism and ill-considered attacks upon those in authority are powerful Instruments In-struments to bring about just this condition. President Wilson has been entrusted entrust-ed with the destinies of the American people. Most of those under him in authority are men of his choosing and answerable to him and to the people. Attacks upon his lieutenants are so many sticks of dynamite at rhe foundation of the American cause. They give encouragement to the enemy en-emy and create an atmosphere at home that can have but one effect to tie his hands and render futile his efforts. The old horsemen's motto is a good one in this instance: "Never grab the reins when the other fellow is driving." Remember Samson chose his most deady weapon "the jawbone of an ass." |
