The changes now in progress are accompanied by no convulsions, yet the whole character of our civilization is being rapidly crystallized anew as our country takes its inevitable place in the world.
So quietly are the great forces at work that some of our most vital problems have remained almost unrecognized by the public until the last two years.

Yet the fact that these decisions are being made is almost appalling in its magnitude, and their indescribable consequence not only to the United States, but to all the nations of the earth, needs to be vividly realized by every one of us, for it is one of the great compelling reasons why the public spirit of young men is needed so urgently and at once.

And more specific reasons press upon us from every side.
Recently the attention of our people, thanks largely to President Roosevelt, was focussed upon the presence or absence of the common virtues and the common decencies in public life.

The revelation of corruption in politics, in business, and here and there in the public service, is a testimony not of unwonted wickedness in high places, but of unwonted sensitiveness in public opinion, and so far as it goes it is a most hopeful sign; but it does not yet go far enough.
The opportunity to set a new standard in political morality is here now.
Public sensitiveness on every subject ebbs and flows and must be taken at the flood if the use of it is to be really effective.

Decision made now as to the character of our public life will be valid for many years, for it is but seldom that the question comes so clearly before us.