-2- Those who are indifferent are in the minority, but they are the ones who are playing an unfortunate role in bringing their country near final defeat. The astounded had been buoyed up by statements of the Cabinet members, of the press, and of the B.E.C., most of which were distorted and doctored up to be palatable, and were consequently misleading. Those who have accepted the disasters as normal incidents in the course of war and have taken for granted the ultimate outcome will be victory make up no small percentage of the people. Even the events of February have not aroused them from their lethargy. Unless something can be and is done to stimulate interest among and incite activity in the indifferent, save what America can and will do, when this war is over England may be an overcrowded island kingdom. That a vast number of the industrial workers are not pulling their weight is obvious. Neither the public speech of the leaders, the urges of the press, or the fear of invasion and ultimate defeat is having any effect on them. They are happier and more contented than they have been in the past twenty-five years. They are drawing good wages while loafing on their jobs. They absent themselves from their work when they like, without let or hindrance. This condition pervades the whole industrial life of the country and is demoralizing the working |