March 23, 1917. 
Too LitrLe CONSIDERATION is being given the com- 
ing Constitutional convention by the large majority of the 
pupuc. A number of vitally important matters will be 
presented for the consideration ot the delegates, the na- 
ture ot which few seem to realize. Because ot the great 
number of problems which the convention will consider it 
has been and will be impossible tor the public to give 
them mature consideration. ‘lwo important questions 
which will surely be put forward will be those of pro- 
visions for the initiative and referendum and the grant- 
ing of equal suffrage for men and women. Amendments 
wul probably be submitted relative to tax reforms, the 
prohibition of sectarian appropriations, election of judges, 
abolition of capital punishment, prohibition of the manu- 
facture and sale ot intoxicants and the countless other 
more or less radical measures which always spring up at 
conventions of this sort. It behooves the pubiic to weigh 
carefully the motives behind the proposed measures and 
their ultimate effect. Candidates for election as dele- 
gates to the convention may justly be asked to state their 
attitude toward any of the possible amendments that may 
arise. It is the duty of good citizens to secure in advance 
from their probable representatives a statement of their 
attitude on these vital issues. 
Tue Proutertion Issugk in England is an issue that 
does not go down. So conservative a paper as the Spec- 
tator is determined that there shall be purchase of the 
industry by the government with prohibition for the 
period of the war. The moral issue, of course, is raised; 
but the defensive and economic reasons have come into 
the foreground. The drastic measure is proposed in 
order to conserve the grain that is destroyed and to main- 
tain the efficiency of the workmen by preventing them 
from dissipating their energies by the use of alcohlic stim- 
ulants. Jf war be declared in America on Germany, there 
will undoubtedly be a liquor propaganda launched on 
similar lines. The issue will be watched by careful stu- 
dents of current events. 
THERE ArE Two ComMMIssIons at work upon two 
important road problems that have been a menace to 
motorists for years. One commission is at work on a 
plan for easy motor travel through Salem with the pos- 
sible construction of a new, “by-the-sea” boulevard. From 
the Felsway, Somerville, to the Cambridge line there is 
another dangerous city route that needs attention and a 
commission is at work to determine the best possible 
road. When these two problems are satisfactorily solved 
motorists going to and from Boston will have a pleasanter 
and. shorter ride. 
Wuitt Curna Has BEEN a sleeping China, unable 
fully to comprehend the great world movement, it has 
nevertheless been confident of enough of the justice of 
the American position to follow the call sent out by the 
President and has broken relations with Germany. ‘The 
future means peace on the Pacific ocean because Germany 
has been determined to have war with Japan and America. 
China has answered our word of advice. Japan has re- 
fused to consent to the intrigue supported by Germany 
and resents it. 
So AnoTHER oF Torstor’s remarkable prophecies 
has come true. That wise old seer spoke more and 
better than he knew. Shrewdness, indeed, is commend- 
able, but this prophet of Russia appears to have had a 
sort of “supervision.” 
Curna Becan In REAL Earnest by seizing German 
shipping at anchor in her neutral harbors. Cutting off of 
diplomatic relations with China means something. 
NO RE os HO Ra 8 Rik ie 7 
9 
THE REVOLUTION IN Russ is of great importance 
and is the most important event that has transpired since 
the beginning of the great war. It means that a great 
nation has had a new birth, the internal intrigues of 
Germanic plotters have failed and the cause of democracy 
has triumphed again over the domination of an oligarchy. 
Russia has been living a benighted life shackled by in- 
efficiency, undemocratic institutions, intrigue, unrest, per- 
secution and tyranny; but now the old regime has passed 
and behold, there is a beginning of all things. Wauthout 
the shedding of blood a great change has been wrought 
that will mean much to Russia and the whole world. An 
amnesty has been granted to all for political and religious 
offenses, liberty ot speech and the press asserted, aboli- 
tion of all social, religious and national restrictions, pre- 
parations for the convocation of a national assembly, the 
substitution of the militia for police, and the maintenance 
of the social and civil rights of the soldiery. The new 
provisions are far reaching and Russia’s days of liberty, 
equality and progress have already begun. 
MinirtaARy INstRucTION AND DriLis have been pre- 
scribed for the prisoners in Charlestown jail and the work 
has already begun. There is no doubt but what the dis- 
cipline of the army or the navy would have spared them 
the penalties imposed by prison sentence. There are 
many things which may be said about compulsory military 
training, but there is no doubting the fact that it incul- 
cates principles of efficiency, honor and obedience that 
many men would never aquire in any other way. 
THE SINKING OF THREE more American ships under 
questionable conditions for Germany’s honor increases , 
the possibilities of war. It seems as though it cannot be 
averted, honorably. The overt act has not yet been com- 
mitted. This will be delayed doubtlessly until an arnied 
merchant vessel flying the American flag has attacked a 
German submarine. This will be the act of war. 
Own SUNDAY AN AMERICAN FLAG was unfurled at the 
Park Street church, Boston, and at other churches silk 
flags have long been in place in the room used for wor- 
ship. It will be well if every church could have a silk 
flag. Here is an opportunity for patriotically inclined 
people to see that the churches are provided with good 
flags. 
Tuer RaArLRoAD STRIKE was successfully averted. It 
see ned unbelicveable that there was at this time any seri- 
ous possibility of its being called. Now that it is really 
over all may rest easier. There are better means of set- 
tling difficulties than embarrassing trade and menacing 
the national state of preparedness. 
Tuere Is Great ReyJorcinG among the Jews of Rus- 
sia and the governmental prisoners in Russia and Siberia. 
Russia has awakened and a new era has already begun in 
Europe. Freed from the domination of vodka it is now 
freed from the domination of unprincipled and undemo- 
cratic oppressive rule. 
Tue SumMeER TuHat Is ComMING promises to be one 
of great prosperity along the North Shore. The cottages 
are practically all rented for the summer and permanent 
visitors are scheduled for return to the Shore. The war 
has meant much to the shore resorts of New England. 
Tue Capruré oF BAcpap has released the city from 
the oppression of the Turks and will be the beginning of 
the liberty of.that portion of the world. The events of 
the last two weeks have been ominously in favor of the 
Entente allies, 
