Evening Republican, Volume 22, Number 29, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 4 February 1919 — Page 3

The Only Way in Which Germany Can Be Made Truly Safe for Democracy

liberated from autocratic leaders. German-speaking lawyers and statesmen and other prominent Germans who are familiar with our system of government should be sent by the United States to ifssist the democratic leaders in the reconstruction of a government on a republican basis like that of the United States or Switzerland. The Germans should not attempt some new method, like of socialism, which has not been tried. The present government of Germany, in nominal control, has ordered an election on January 19, 1919, to elect by universal suffrage delegates to a constitutional assembly, to make the constitution for the federal government comprising the twenty-five existing states. Unless Hindenburg’s present army can be relied upon to protect the •convention which is to be assembled, effort should be made to enlist a republican army, composed of those loyal to the proposed new government, which will protect the delegates while working out a new republic. The people in Germany need strong, well-informed republican leaders, •capable of joining together under one banner intelligent, clear-headed citizens. They need their support in establishrng-this new system of government, patterned after the United States’ or Switzerland, which has already been tested and found satisfactory. The autocratic rulers formerly controlling Germany are watching 'the outcorneof the movement and secretly aiding in fomenting discord among the different parties, expecting eventually to step suddenly forward and seize the reins of government under the plea of maintaining order. In this way they will claim it is necessary for them to re-establish the old autocratic system of force to maintain a monarchical government. The transformation to a republic can take place quicker and with less friction in Germany than in Russia, as the mass of the German people are better educated and more suited for self-government—The more rational and intelligent middle class will be able to control th& extreme socialistic element and eradicate or overpower bolshevism and keep control of the state governments. The bolsheviki do not understand the fundamental principles of the science of government and are not able to formulate a practical working constitution and establish a state which would be recognized by other modern governments.

Tribute to the American Red Cross Is World-Wide and Heartfelt

General Pershing—To the millions of women whose hearts and hands are consecrated to the service, to the millions of the men, rich and poor alike, throughout the country who have contributed and sacrificed, and even to the millions of children of our schools who are doing their part, it should be made clear that the relief and comfort contributed by them through the American Red Cross to the men in service is essential. General Petain—l have just received the letter in which you announce that the commission of the American Red Cross has voted a new credit of 10,000,000 francs in favor of the most needy families of French officers, noncommissioned officers and soldiers. I know that in addressing the American Red Cross I speak in iVality to the people of the United States. My thanks, therefore, go to your people and I am happy thus to have the occasiop to transmit to them the evidence of the grateful affection of our army. The French troops.will remain under arms probably for a long time, but thanks to your intervention many of the cares will be dissipated and many of ths misfortunes will be lightened. Surgeon General Ireland, U. S. A,—The American Red Cross has performed a three-fold function in the great war. Jt has been the invaluable ally of the medical department in assisting it to care for the sick and wounded. It has been the great-agency of rescue and support to the unfortunate refugees who were driven from their homes. Finally it has, by its canteen service at the railroad stations and its searchers for the wounded, been the cheering, heartening and helpful agency for our travelworn men. Of all these functions and services none can now be given up or abandoned. The medical department will need the help of the Red Cross until the last wounded man is safely returned to his home., The men in their billets and camps during the cold, cheerless French winter will need the comradeship and wholesome good fellofrs'hipf of the Red Cross women. The searchers will be the agents of communication between the wounded and their families at home. The refugees, too, must not be left helpless until thb elements bf the family have been united. Now, therefore, it. is time.for a closer and more active functioning and a larger and more zealous membership for the American Red Cross. Admiral Siins, ? U. S. N.—l have often heard people say, “Why is it necessary to care for sick and wounded soldiers and sailors through an organization like the American Red Cross? Why does not the government dp the work? The fact is the government is not capable us doing it the way the Red Cipss does. When an emergency turns up we sometimes have not the facilities, sometimes not the legal authority to do all we ought to do. The emblem of the Red Cross is two small piffiSs of red tape laid neatly across each other. But so far as 1 know this is the only bit of red tape they’ve got. They can do things unhampered by rules or regulations. "When our men are sick or woundedjmd we,need quick action, unhampered and free, that’s where the Red Cross comes to the front. Secretary of War Baker—Prior to the signing of the armistice the work of the American Red Cross was confined within home and neutral areas or within areas under entente control. Now its scope is obviously enlarged to embrace virtually the entire Continent of Europe, together with great portions of Asia. The task which confronts this great service of mercy is thus vastly increased. I am sure that all Americans will wish to put their bapda to the work of healing and reconstruction an<) of the channels open none is worthier of support than thia. - *

By BARTOW A. ULRICH

The friends of German democracy in the United States, especially the descendants of the heroes of 1848, who have recently been actively engaged in directing the thought of the Germans in this country to a proper understanding of the fundamental principles of our representative democracy, should now assist in every way possible to establish a real republic in Germany. Those previously classed as pro-German should now show their love for the fatherland by using their influence in Germany toward building up a republican form of government to replace the former empire, now

ENDORSEMENTS BY THE GREAT

THE EVENING REPUBLICAN, RENSSELAER, IND.

The Miracle of Reconstruction

PATJE/YKS L£ARN AND NUUJ?£O /'U3CLEJ A T t>AJl£ T/£f£ is the great word Rin the world now. ( It is a new kind of story in this new kind of times —nations bereft of hosts "■J"?" of their youths, thousands of the maimed slowly returning t*o their own countries. Here, in Washington, at (Sf Hus Walter Reed hospital under the command of Col. E. R. Schreiner and his staff, our own story is brought home in a way that is a threefold miracle ■■EHHI to those who are watching the remaking of some crippled or disabled boy. Granted, it is a great many crippled young men to see at one time, there at Walter Reed; a. tragedy of war-to make the simplest soul bewildered.' But look again, and again—week by week, or month by month—then you see the beginning of this miracle of remaking which is being wrought there by the doctors, surgeons, educators and psychologists of the medical department of our army. Indeed, sometimes it is a miracle of “life more abundant” growing out of seeming helplessness. _ This may be an illustration of it, and how it is threefold. Here is a boy who went overseas as one of our defenders. He could not read write, but he could do the things that soldiers do, and endure the things that soldiers endure. He could count off the seconds before the order came to charge a German trench, and then when the order came he could go over the top, and he did for all of us here at home; and he was struck by one of the shells that were* blasting at him as he charged, and he fell. When the stretcher-bearers found him they saw that his was an amputation case. Perhaps you have seen in the movies, prepared by the medical department of the army, how these stretcher-bearers, privates in the medical corps, make the skillful tourniquet, the emergency splint of rifle and grass for such a boy as this one, how they rush him to the nearest dressing station, and how he is taken back to his field and then base hospital. If you have not, undoubtedly you will soon have the opportunity, for the film will be sent broadcast. There is another film shows part of the threefold miracle for the returned men at Walter Reed, but only part: (1) the film can show you how such a boy can make one arm or One leg do the work of two; (2) it illustrates graphically how he is trained to a more Interesting and well-paid trade than he had before the war, and his amputation—but (3), the film alone, of course, cannot show you the “life more abundant” which he feels coming through the training of his mind, as he 1 learns to read and write and 'life reveals new wonderland new opportunities.

Maj. B. T. Baldwin, S. C., U. S.A., with his assistants, lias provided opportunities of advancement for alt of these men. While a few words might explain in general what it is that works this miracle of what the surgeons call • “reconstrucduu," It has taken the evolution of all the centuries to develop the knowledge which these surgeons and psychologists now possess. The process of reconstruction begins with the distinctly physical treatment, medical or surgical, massage, and the various kinds of physio-therapy. This is followed or carried on in’ conjunction with that occupational -reconstruction which develops new muscular control and power tn the partially paralyzed limb or in the white it is at the same time teaching a new trade or occupation through that very exercise; and in the-third place it is, simultaneously, clearing .and training the mind. -J' • It is a process slow, patient, full of the wonder of rebirth. There is one workshop there at Walter Reed tvhere the once almost helpless fingers of one returned boy have been forming, very gradually, a silver necklace of great beauty—the hands arid the mind of that boy becoming tire and the mind of an artist "as he has worked. Curious, that through being injured there should come a life more interesting, more significant, more creative. ‘ On the ten-acre farm and in Jhe seven modern greenhouses at Walter Reed cruelly crippled men are finding life immeasurably enhanced, through their work with growing things. Sometimes men who could call only a few flowers by name see in them now thelr loved vocation for the future. By every means known to modern science .the minds of those others who have been clouded by shock or wound are helped to find themselves again, to take hold of the opportunities waiting for them there; there, is scarcely a man so disabled that there is not waiting for him through these hospital opportunities a definite advancement In life —if only his family, the public, thecountry at large will understand. Let the ’following list of subjects and occupations which are being taught under the administration of Major Baldwin show how definitely this statement is true. Thrti let iks go with these same crippled boys to the theater and see a strange sight, remembering thst these are opportunities that they carry in their minds: “You will 'be enrolled in one or more of the following,” says a bulletin addressed to them: Academic Department—Bookkeeping, civil service, commercial arithmetic, commercial English, commercial law, English, foreign language, hfs- ‘ tory, mathematics, penmanahip. salesmanship. \

by Marian Bonsall Davis

Agricultural Department —Elementary agriculture, elementary horticulture, general farming, greenhouse management, ward gardens. Autogenous Welding Department Complete process and demonstrations. Automobile Department —Shop and repair work, text book and demonstration. Cinematograph Department —Film repairing, motion picture machine operating.— Commercial Department Stenography, stenotype, touch system typewriting. Electrical Department General electrical courses, Morse (wire) telegraphy, radio (buzzer) operation. Engraving department —Commercial ( engraving, jewelry engraving. Jewelry and Fine Metals Department —Chasing, enameling, handmade jewelry, jewelry repairing, repousse, silversmithing. Mechanical Engineering Department —Designing, estimating, drafting, tracing, blueprinting, jas engines and operation, steam engines and boilers. Orthopedic Appliance Department Manufacture and repair. Printing and linotype department—Hand composition, linotype operating, press work. Physical Education Department Athletic sports, calisthenics, gymnastics, military drill. Shoe Repairing Department —Leatherwork, shoe repairing. Sign Painting Department —Lettering, poster designing. Woodworking Department —Cabinet. making, _ general carpentry, pattern making wood carving. This bulletin announces, furthermore, that there is the opportunity of special duty in various partments of the post; and that the'man's war j-isk insurance compensation will not be sered with in any way by his attendance in any of these departments. A short time ago the American Red Cross, which is in charge of the recreational features of the hospital, arranged for a special performance of “Atta Boy,” the uproariously funny musical show acted and produced by the soldiers of Camp Meigs. One may look at this contrast: The stage of a Washington theater presents a solid phalanx of young soldiers, ranged row upon row from floor to top, ready for the opening chorus: all in the ver/ pink of condition—lithe, muscular, eager' for the action which sudden peace (which of course they thought premature, since they wouldn’t get over!) denied them. But the jolly chorus swings out with a zip. round and full and stirring. The audience across the footlights is made up also, row'upon row—of crippled and disabled men. who have had the great adventure, and come home with bodies which may seem at first to be broken: some of them with mihds which at first may seem dulled—and these are just as young In years as those across the footlights. \ Yet. looking twice, one sees them, on both sides, youth triumphant—the one side singing'joyfully Its sparkling nonsense, the other side —the one that has gone through fire—roaring with laughter, the one-armed men applauding Ingeniously with their programs on the arms of their chairs. They tne awkward-squad jokes, and eh of black-faced Capt. Frank Tinney’s jokes, and the “God save the weasel and pop goes the queen" joke, and most of all at that song which well deserves I to be Immortal, of fathef—father who thinks war such a fine thing for a young man. but has for himself a valet, and now is In the proposed last draft. The house rocks with the chorus singing of his plight: .. , . Father wil| be with us soon. He will he forty in June . . .” That is. almost all are laughing—the effects of gas and shell are not in all cases entirely cleared awuv Clearing them away is what the doctor psychologists are doing At Walter Reed. For, oh. this story doek not underrate the suffering. Fumes of e'ther as one passes the operating room; the man with the double amputation stMl white of face; the first steps on the artificial legs—these things are hard and shafp reality. But if in the wards you see boys who have lost an arm or lej. as soon as the nurse’s back is

work, through Waiter Be«l. S -O “ b "™, up with the hopes ot thousands of men. »nd tM families. Working with these - to surgeons is the American Red ros. complete the bridge between the fam lie' Jhe men during their separation, through its communi cation service, its various hospital services and in all kinds of ways through its home service, from buying buttons or “pricing” a certain kindl of spiral puttees on some boy’s request, to arranging for his war risk insurance, or perhaps hospita treatment for some member of a man s fam y a far-away town. In the convalescent house there is the gre open fireplace, with its crackling fire, books flowers, games, music. Every week one of the Washington ■theaters sends out several of hts acts. After classes the men pour in. some of those who have lain so helpless weeks before, now in wheeled chairs engrossed in some handwork, yet eager for the music and the fun. Others come to say “good-by” before the visit home. You would not guess that this boy had ever lost a leg, or that an artificial arm could become so dexterous as some you see here. A leaf from the Red Cross entertainment book is interesting. These events, planned from the outside, are arranged through application to the recreational staff of the Red Cross at the post. Here are characteristic Items: Seventy boys to Keith’s theater and supper; one hundred boys to Mount Vernon; three boys to birthday party for Sergeant ; forty-five on sight-seeing bus tour, and so on and on. “Why, sergeant, where Is your new leg I thought you were so proud of?” one of the workers calls to a boy on a crutch. I loAned lt to Jim. He had a pass to go to town,” he answers. A boy, wearing carefully wrapped puttees, comes along in a wheeled chair. “Did you find out about those other puts?” he asks the Ren Cross lady.” “Yes, and there is only one pair in town and they cost twelve dollars.” “I guess we’ll have to go without,” he says; and there follows an interested conversation aboiut a package to be addressed to a girl back home. X young boy who had lost one leg and one foot was having attached for the first time the artificial leg on which, with a crutch, he soon was going to trv to walk. To support himself he had one arm around his army surgeon, the other arbund the Red Cross man. He was making great bravado, though his face was white. When the apparatus was attached he asked to sit down. The surgeon and the Red Cross man helped him into a chair. With a long sigh he settled the “new” leg iirmlv on the floor and then Hung what was left of the other leg over It. Though the beads of sweat were st ill on his face he looked up pertly with his head cocked. •‘Geel” he said, “if you hadn't crossed your legs for eleven months you’d know how 1 feel.” These men are of those who have given “their breasts a bulwark and their blood a moat.” They have given too great a thing to need any kind of sympathy except the supreme one of understanding The medical department of the armya nd thejßed Crossmakeacydeof effort-social, htrnian "physical. mental. In this work of reconstruction there may be found. literally, life more abundant. As these men leave hospital and uniform and come back to the familiar-strange civilian world- thP I >uhli '’ t!lke up lts p,,rt: Sn ' l each man will be, if he utilise.* the opportunities open to him. and society does not exploit him. an independent asset in-place of a dependent or a charity

How Could It Be?

Lateman wanted to buy a clock—that is. a reliable clock—and he made the shopman show him a good many before he decided on one. ‘Now. sir," said the salesman, “this clock will last you a lifetime." Lateman looked dubious. ? / ; “Why, how can that be?” he asked. "I can see for myself that its hours are numbered T

turned trying to play leap frog; or the boy whose face was so drawn 4 the last time you saw him now all interested concentration as he sits up in bed clicking away at the Morse code on his telegraph instrument; as at half past eleven...in the—morning you see the crowd of convalescent patients surging merrily into the Red Cross building, which is their clubhouse —then you see double; then you know that the mutilation of the body may not always be too great a price to pay for some compensations of the spirit. The medical department of the army, as It