Jasper County Democrat, Volume 21, Number 21, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 12 June 1918 — DANGERS OF OVER-CONFIDENCE [ARTICLE]

DANGERS OF OVER-CONFIDENCE

No greater calamity could overtake this country than for oil! people to become possessed of the erroneous belief that the 'war is as good as won, and that further strenuous exertion is unnecessary. The war is not won, and unless all indications are misleading, is not likely to be won soon. Tim forces contending for victory are far too evenly matched for either to obtain any decided victory. Every man, woman and child in this country should nerve themselves, constantly remind themselves that their utmost exertion and sacrifice is imperatively demanded. Any other attitude must result in a weakening of the will to win, and a consequent slackening of effort—and these at this stage of affairs would be fatal to our cause. Of course, it is barely possible that some fortunate circumstance may befall to throw victory to our arms, but this is extremely unlikely until we have greately increased our strength on the fighting front. So let us reach out after four or five millions of fighting men, put them on the front, and then SUSTAIN them. It must be said that America, a nation, that has never yet done things by halves, has now' taken up the practice. We will have peace when our armies enforce it—-not before.

In March and April the Secretary of Agriculture, on recommendation of the Office of Public Roads and Rural Engineering, approved 212 State road-building projects involving more than 2,500 miles of highway’s under the Federal aid rOad act. The estimated cost of these improvements to the states is about $15,000,000. The Federal aid allowed is moye than $5,000,000.

Vigorous steps should be taken to punish any person convicted of originating false rumors of disasters to our troops abroad. 'The families and friends have enough anxiety to bear, without being made the victims of irresponsible sensation mongers.