_OUR NATIONAL PROBLEMS_ STRAIGHT AMERICA [Illustration] THE MACMILLAN COMPANY NEW YORK · BOSTON · CHICAGO · DALLAS ATLANTA· SAN FRANCISCO MACMILLAN & CO., LIMITED LONDON · BOMBAY · CALCUTTA MELBOURNE THE MACMILLAN CO. OF CANADA, LTD. TORONTO STRAIGHT AMERICA A CALL TO NATIONAL SERVICE BY FRANCES A. KELLOR New York THE MACMILLAN COMPANY 1916 _All rights reserved_ COPYRIGHT, 1916, BY THE MACMILLAN COMPANY. Set up and electrotyped. Published June, 1916. Norwood Press J. S. Cushing Co.--Berwick & Smith Co. Norwood, Mass., U.S.A. TO THE PRESIDENT-ELECT OF 1916 CONTENTS CHAPTER PAGE I. WHAT IS THE MATTER WITH AMERICA? 1 II. AMERICANISM 21 III. THE NATIVE AMERICAN 43 IV. AMERICA-MADE CITIZENS 91 V. THE POPULAR VOTE 127 VI. NATIONAL UNITY 153 STRAIGHT AMERICA CHAPTER I WHAT IS THE MATTER WITH AMERICA? For the first time in its history, America, broadly speaking, is consciously ashamed. However divided we may be upon preparedness, neutrality in thought has not brought peace of mind. We find ourselves making explanations and apologies. In the midst of unprecedented prosperity, we are restless and dissatisfied. Smoldering in the hearts of men is desire for change, fermenting in their minds is a demand for national leadership. The situation defies accurate analysis. It is not that we want war or that we favor militarism. Rather it is that our powers are dormant, our aspirations unexpressed, our beliefs unformulated, our attitude misrepresented, our motives misunderstood, and our presence in the world’s conflict unnoted.