CHAPTER I
THE RECKONING
Our Duty to the Soldier—Our Lasting Quarrel With the
Foe—The Story of the Census—No More Traitors—Shutting
the Gates Against the Huns—The New Patriotism
for All Americans.
Vox populi, vox dei is a fine phrase. But fine phrases often half-state or mis-state facts for sake of the half-idea's sound. Many popular conceptions are wide of the truth.
The world had come to call the French people light, fickle, inconstant, volatile, incapable of grave and deep emotions. That was the popular American idea of France up to 1914. The man who would voice that idea now would be treated with anger or silent contempt by all the world. Now we know the silent, modest, simple, enduring faith, the unfaltering courage, the undying flame of heart which made the real France.
We thought Great Britain cold, phlegmatic, emotionless. Who would say that to-day of a brave and strong people trying their best to ask us not to mention their battles against odds, their steadfast courage in holding the line, but to feel and understand the real admiration and love Britain really feels for us in these days.
We Americans thought ourselves above fickleness and lightness always, boasted always of our common sense and steady practical point of view. We called France hysterical. Was it so? No. Once again popular counsel is wrong. It is we Americans who are the most hysterical people in the world. We make a purpose and forget it. We erect a hero and forget him. We believe, boast, acclaim, hurrah—and forget. We are easily excited—it is we who most easily grow "high headed," as the French say. It is we, of all nations, who most quickly forget.
In that fact regarding the American character lies the
