THE DUTY OF THE MOMENT

The University by a large majority indicated over ten weeks ago that it favored some form of universal military training for the young men of the nation. That was at a time when Congress, confronted by the bald fact of danger, was contemplating action. Since that vote was taken our international situation has changed from the dangerous to the imminently perilous. We are no further prepared. To be sure, we have a few training corps, and a few lady ambulanciers on the land, and a few converted pleasure boats on the water. But the nation is not more prepared to fight as a great nation than it was ten weeks ago. Nor will it be in another ten months, in spite of the self-sacrifice of our young college men, or the alertness of our wisest leaders, unless the burden of its own defence be borne by the whole country by Missouri as well as Massachusetts.

Universal training which the University desired ten weeks ago is trebly necessary now. Action which the previous Congress allowed to lapse may be entered upon when the new Congress, elected on a preparedness platform, convenes next Monday New is the time to demand and to secure the passage of those measures which will guarantee us national strength and national unity.

The petitions which are being circulated asking for the establishment of universal service should be signed by every man who has a broad regard for the interest of his nation. The signature of any one man may not seem a great thing. Yet the signature of many thousands of patriotic men may move our national legislature.