PATRIOTISM AND BUSINESS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXI, Issue 61, 9 October 1916, Page 8

PATRIOTISM AND BUSINESS.

[To The Editor Stratford Post.] Sir, — Permit me to cont.-ibute a few linos on the above topic so ably dealt with by your correspondents. With the problem in arithmetic, I shall have nothing to say, but noon "Patriotism" so-called, 1 have often felt more strongly than my pen can express. That our Patriotism has to he purchased, or shall 1 say imbed, by possible prizes, in art unions, bazaars, motor cars, sections of land, pie. hire tickets, fetes, minstrel troupes, and so forth, only shows to what a low ebb'our pulse of Patriotism is beating. But I question sir. whether W'-> really are so selfish, that we won't give unless there is some quul-pro-quo standing out as a "possible'" to I'JI our pockets. Need we even wait till our lady friends sacrifice their valuable time in making oup; of tea and cake, when other reproductive work awaits their nimble lingers Is not the blood of our Boys crying unto us? What is needed more than those telltale casualty lists, and the mothers' aching heart? "Let the gallant deeds of our Boys be the inspiration to give," not wait to be bribed, but give of what we have freely. It is said of Dean Swift, when appealing for monetary help for his work among I the charities: "He that giveth to the poor (those in any form of need) lendeth to the Lord." "If you are satisfied with the security down with the dust." Need I add another old aphorism, "He that giveth quickly, giveth twice." Sir, I hold it is a mistaken idea that we need anything other than an appeal to our better nature, and I hope to see that simple method resorted to of house-to-house visitation,' collecting on a specified day, say once-a-month, when substantial results would accrue, provided the populace knew of that day before hand. Then "Fair Play is honnie play" would no longer be able to cry about the excessive competition in tea and cakes.—l am, etc. J. H. FORD.