"Silentia Nobiscum."

(We invite all men in the University to submit communications on subjects of timely interest, but assume no responsibility for sentiments expressed under this head.)

To the Editors of the CRIMSON:

Now that Congress has declared that a state of war exists between the United States and Germany, the Harvard Union for American Neutrality has automatically ceased to exist. Now the primary duty of the pacifist, like every other citizen, is to serve his country actively. There is not one of us who does not believe in the principle of universal service in return for the benefits of citizenship; but some of us believe that military service is not the only form which it may take. We have problems here at home which will continue with us, war or no war, and which will be neglected in the excitement. I refer especially to the housing, feeding and medical care of the poor in our large cities, to the prevention of disease, to the improvement of labor conditions and innumerable others. Some of us may choose such service in preference to military training, even though the cry of coward will continue to be raised.

The Harvard Union for American Neutrality was avowedly a temporary organization, created to voice a protest against what we considered a great mistake on the part of our country. Now, but not until now, do we agree that the question of war or no war is past discussion. No one is more sympathetic than we with the ultimate aim for which we enter the struggle, namely, the triumph of democracy over autocracy and the spirit which makes war necessary. It has been in the past a question of how best to realize this goal. Now that our line of action has been irrevocably decided upon, we join in carrying it through, although, as unlikely as it may sound, should this country in the heat of battle so far fall from the standard set for it by President Wilson as to continue fighting needlessly from hatred or sheer unwillingness to desist, or as to enter upon schemes of conquest, then the spirit behind the Harvard Union for American Neutrality may once more rise in protest. Until then, silentia nobiscum. HALLOWELL DAVIS '18.   Chairman of the Harvard Union for American Neutrality.