Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 185, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 22 August 1917 — Task Confronting Country Not Confined to the Army and Navy [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Task Confronting Country Not Confined to the Army and Navy

By Juddge E. H. Gary,

Chairman Board of Dirtcton, U. S. Steel Corporation

* The task which confronts the country is not fined to the army and navy, although they will be entitled to the larger part of the credit and glory if . we succeed. They offer their bodies as a sacrifice, and thev must have the undivided, unqualified support of all outside their ranks. The time, money and prayers of all civilians must be given for their soldiers. They bear the brunt; they are the shield for our safety. All of us are fighting in self-defense. This is our land and the flag is ours. The administrators of the country, from President Wilson down, are no more interested than

each of us. Life would not be worth living if our flag were to be permanently furled; if our country were subjugated by an alien enemy, especially such a one as we now defend ourselves against. The pecuniary burdens to be imposed upon us will be very great. We knew in advance such would be the case. We must pay the enormous ,coati of mobilizing, equipping, supplying and moving our own armies, and we must advance money and provide supplies to our allies in accordance with their necessities and our resources. We could not decline if we were disposed, for they are now fighting our battles and we are, with them, under the whole burden. We must never falter nor retrace our steps. Wherever or whenever the end is we must press forward with all our strength, might, minds and souls. The more vigorously we proceed within the limits of intelligence the sooner will the end be reached. Some of us are complaining or criticizing because of the enormous taxes that are likely to be imposed. We are apt to Consider ourselves as opposed by the legislative or executive departments of the government, as if they were partisans, seeking to punish or at least unfairly treat the private individual. We do ourselves an injustice by harboring such thoughts. We can rightfully claim that the burden of taxation be equitably distributed; that all the people, after exempting the necessities of life, shall be compelled to contribute, and that there shall be no waste or extravagance in making expenditures. If possible taxes ought to be so levied and distributed as to avoid clogging the channels of business prosperity; —All this' we may properly demand. Equitable distribution is fair and reasonable, and it makes all peculiarly interested in the subject, including both the collection and the expenditure of the taxes levied. Less than this would tend to create classes—the worse thing for any country. Now is the time to unite the whole country in a common cause. The soldiers are on a level as they ought to be. ATI others should be on a level. Classes should be obliterated and also politics, localities and religious differences, during war times at least. Opportunity should be open to all; governmental burdens should be borne by all. With such an administration of governmental affairs we should be satisfied, however severe the drafts which are made upon us or upon the larger interests which we represent.