THE HOUR AND THE MAN A BEACON AMONG THE YEARS--TRYING PERIOD FOR PRESIDENT WILSON--GERMANY CONTINUES DILATORY TACTICS--PEACE EFFORTS FAIL--ALL HONORABLE MEANS EXHAUSTED--PATIENCE CEASES TO BE A VIRTUE--ENEMY ABANDONS ALL SUBTERFUGE--UNRESTRICTED SUBMARINE WARFARE--GERMAN INTRIGUES WITH MEXICO--THE ZIMMERMANN NOTE--AMERICA SEIZES THE SWORD--WAR IS DECLARED--PERSHING GOES ABROAD--FIRST TROOPS SAIL--WAR MEASURES--WAR OPERATIONS An enormous beacon light in history will attach to the year 1917.

The outstanding feature of course was the entry of the United States into the great war--the deciding factor in the struggle.

It marked the departure of America from the traditional policy of political isolation from Europe.

History will record that it was not a voluntary, but a forced, departure, due to the utter disregard by Germany of our rights on the seas, at home and elsewhere.
The first thirty days of the year found the man at the head of our government still hoping against hope, still struggling with all the odds against him, still courageously engaged in efforts for peace.

It was a particularly trying time for President Wilson, as a large portion of his own party and most of the nation was arrayed against him.