EFFICACY OF BALLOTS

The arrival of the first ballots in the Literary Digest peace poll again arouses a question concerning the value of such expressions of undergraduate opinion. The sponsors of the poll, maintain that it will crystallize the attitude of students against war, thus, presumably, serving to maintain peace. The discussion that inevitably accompanies the completion of the ballots is intended to stimulate thought on the subject.

The efficacy of these methods, however, is doubtful, Placing a cross in a neat black square is quite different from opposing the decrees of one's government when the time of crisis actually arrives. Modern technical methods have added enormously to the power of those in authority. To the traditional brass bands and parading troops will be added all the more subtle appeals of professionalized propaganda. The radio and the press will find ample co-operation, when the time comes, from clergymen and judges. The naive young men who refuse to fight in an aggressive war will soon be convinced that their bleeding country gasps for their protection. For the few conscientious objectors who resolutely prefer prison to fighting will probably be provided punishment sufficiently convincing to discourage others.

These facts do not indicate that college students must resign themselves to an unhealthy fatalism. There is much practical work to be done for the cause of peace. Neither do they prove that an aroused public opinion does not have its value. It is true, nevertheless, that one intelligent, hard-working, and sincere diplomat is at present of more value than a thousand signers of fragile pledges.