AMERICA AT WAR

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17319, 20 May 1918, Page 6

AMERICA AT WAR

Some interesting sidelights on politics and publio opinion in tho United States aro thrown by a private letter from a " wellinformed correspondent," extracts from which aro printed in a rccent issue of the "New Europe." "Wilson's unquestioned leadership and tho confidence of tho nation in him are, I think," says the writer, "unparalleled in our history; indeed, the danger is that wo shall leave everything too much to him, and fail to keep within range of his constructive thinking. Congress is, as so often, sadly provincial and inadequate. I Deed not tell you how proud wo are of the part he is playing in world statesmanship, or of the skill with which he is playing it. ... At the same time, it must be confessed that his strength lies in diplomacy rather than in administration. Wo shall probably have a good deal more centralised authority, and probably some Cabinet changes in Washington before our war machine is really efficient. 'Hiat is the only thing which will interfere with our maximum contribution, for the spirit of the country is magniScent. We 6nall go on increasing our military force to the very limit until victory is won, no matter how long or how muoh it takes— meaning, of course, Wilson's clear definition of what he means by victory. Tho political situation is extraordinary. The bankruptcy of the Republican Party is again shown by its failure as an opposition to press for administrative efficiency, and its petty nagging at real leaders like Hoover. The administration outside of the President leaves a good deal to be desired, and the resulting one-man leadership is a most unusual situation. Roosevelt has lost a groat opportunity and a largo following by his inability to rise above his personal opposition to Wilson. Taft, on tho other hand, has greatly strengthened himself by his self-effacing and devoted service in rousing t.'io nation. What the political future holds in store no one can guess. One thing only- is clear—your country and mine are at last linked "together, as by AngloSaxon heritage and democratic destiny they belong together, in playing for the greatest stakes in human welfare and world peace for which nations iiave ever striven or fought."