THE NATION: Inching

For the first time in months, the U.S. could find an encouraging note in reports from embattled Europe. The extent of Europe's turn for the better could be measured only in inches. But last week Europe was perceptibly inching toward recovery.

In the lean and hungry economy of Britain, coal and steel production was climbing. In the Ruhr, coal production reached a daily rate of 300,000 tons—up 40% since last summer. These were signs of Europe's efforts to help itself—as it should and must under ERP. They were also indications that the U.S. could make progress in its colossal gamble abroad.

There...