_Uncle Sam as a Watchman_
Most of all in times of danger and distress do we turn eagerly to that
multiple of ourselves, which we call Uncle Sam. In the most peaceful
days the sailor in blue or the soldier in khaki stood behind the courts
and the laws and the policemen. When rioters and anarchists raised
their heads they knew that Uncle Sam was drawn up around the corner,
and would stop them whenever they passed from noisy words to desperate
deeds. “U. S.” is the trench line which protects this country from
invasion. “U. S.” builds the forts, works out plans of harbor defence,
keeps powerful ships in commission, and raises, clothes, equips, feeds,
and pays the armies which are the clenched fists of the nation. Other
governments, state, municipal and local, offer many benefits, but Uncle
Sam is the only American known to foreign nations as the creator of
armies and the fighter of battles.
[Illustration: WELFARE WORK FOR BABIES, WHITE AND BLACK
Weighing and measuring babies. Work conducted by the U. S. Children’s
Bureau, Department of Labor]
The mystic two letters “U. S.” which are the emblems within the United
States of peace and protection, became known in the World War far
across the seas in many lands. Disturbed and broken nations welcome
occupation by United States troops, because they have learned that
Uncle Sam is both strong and merciful; that he hits his enemies
hard; but raises up and saves the noncombatant, the neutral and the
vanquished. Never has the reputation of the United States of America
stood so high as a stalwart, resolute and unflinching power which puts
out its wealth like water, and enlists its man-power by millions, when
war must be fought. Never has the Uncle Sam conception of the great
North American federation been so clear and so welcome in the minds of
other peoples; what can any nation ask that is better and higher than
to be hailed as the defender of civilization against the most furious
blows; and at the same time as the friend, ally and protector of men of
good will wherever found throughout the world? “U. S.” to hammer the
Hun; “Uncle Sam” to succor the Belgians and French, to aid the Armenian
and the Greek, as the friend of mankind.
[Illustration: REBUILDING THE DISABLED SOLDIER