Jasper County Democrat, Volume 17, Number 35, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 5 August 1914 — Sit Tight! Don't Rock the Boat! [ARTICLE]

Sit Tight! Don't Rock the Boat!

The worst that could have been expected has happened in the European war situation, apparently, and a state o' war already exists in France, Germany and Russia, as a result of the Austria-Hungary Servian trouble, the two latter countries having started the ball to rolling last week with actual bloodshed. England, Italy and perhaps Japan, is likely to be drawn into this war 1 , which promises to be the greatest the worl 1 has ever seen, engaged in killing each other at the with upwards of 20,000,000 soldiers very begininng. . , The very thoughts of what a conflict of this kind means is simply apalling, and when the smoke of battle finally lifts the entire map of Europe may be changed. That in this supposed to be enlightened age, such civilized nations as these, who are civilized nations as these, who are already engaged or soon will be, in this great conflict, over really trivial matters, seems almost incredible. That the conflict may soon end, is the fervent wish of all right thinking people, and in the meantime the following editorial from Monday’s issue of the' Chicago Herald, is most t i mely: Sit tight! Don't rock the boat! That’s the watchword today. That’s the first duty of every American at this moment. That's what this country needs to keep it straight and safe and true to its course—absolutely all it needs. Business conditions are sound. We have one of the greatest grain crops in history. Its value has already greatly advanced. We have; a sound financial system, backed by the greatest store of gold in the world. Our banks are solid, safe. There is nothing the matter with the Cnited States War will mean an unprecedented demand for supplies. Experts declare American business will feel a great impetus. While other nations destroy, this country will produce. While other nations are armed •camps, this country will be a farm, a factory, a forge. Trade extension is predicted in all directions. The immediate future is plain. The national administration is acting promptly. The sum or 5500,"OQ,000 is available, under the Aldrich-Vreeland act. for an emergency. The organization of the reserve board will soon be complete. ’This will enable us to deal more effectively with the outflow of gold. Plans are perfecting to permit American registry of foreign vessels. This will protect and develop bur commerce. We are preparing to maintain strict neutrality. Questions may arise with foreign nations as to what constitutes contraband. Such questions cannot conceivably involve us in difficulties. They will be settled by the ordinary processes. The general principles of neutrality an.i neutral commerce are plain. The United States will adhere rigorously to them. Friendly intercourse, as far as circumsrances permit, will be its' rule and its procedure. Stock exchanges have closed—-a wise precaution. This country cannot be the dumping ground of the whole body of securities that war-mad Europe is anxious to convert into money. TTie~-c4oging"is temporary. Elsewhere there is no prospect of interference with the orderly processes of American business. Stable conditions are here; 'All we have to do is to keep them stable. The administration has decided to appeal officially to the public to help maintain existing satisfactory conditions. The public cannot fail to respond. The only danger is one which it may create itself. Its course j s simple. All it has to do is to sit tight, to do nothing to disrupt the fortun ate condition in which this country happily finds itself.

Don’t rock the boat—that's the central idea! The’ swell from the great battleship,, “Europe." will be felt. But it will not hurt us Te need not even break over the sides.' There’s nothing the matter with the boat that we are in.. Straight and strong, well-seamed, well-caulked, -well-tim-bered, with seasonable guidance it will bear us safely and prosperously through. Sit tight"! Don't rock the boat! Keep its head well up against the sfea! Don't let it get into the trough of the waves! Let every man realize that at this moment calm confidence and calm thankfulness are the first duty. They are absolutely justified by the favorable situation in, which we find ourselves. They are the certain guarantee of a continuance of those conditions.