Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 134, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 22 June 1917 — Hang Together, or Separately, Which? [ARTICLE]

Hang Together, or Separately, Which?

President Wilson has very clearly stated the situation when he declares that Prussianism will win only through the division of the forces of democracy of the world. German autocracy has held together by the wonderful unity which exists in the German nation. With its back to the wall, fighting for world dominion, Germany presents a united front to the universe. Everything else is forgotten in the national desire to win. The application of this sentiment of unity, which affects the world at large, should be taken home. This is no time for radical division of sentiment, either on the war or any other question. Local feuds which tend to create discard and division should be forgotten. The principal business of the United Statse today is war. Whether we think so or not, the principal business at this time is war. Not war with each other, but war with Germany. Let us get the proper perspective and refuse to weaken the cause of democracy against autocracy by senseless bickerings which tend to create discord. This is a time of common danger and the time may come when this fact will be brought forcibly to our attention. As American citizens, people of a' nation "that has never been defeated in war, we boldly declare that the war will be won, yet there is always that element e of doubt which perforce must send a chill up the spine of the stoutest and bravest.

Russia is practically out of the war and even if she fails to make a separate peace, it will require months for her armies to be mobilized into effective fighting forces. In the meantime Germany has nine million seasoned soldiers under arms and might succeed in beating France and England into submission before the fighting forces of Uncle Sam can be put into action. In this event, and with the navies of France and England at her disposal, can there be any doubt but that Germany would invade the U. S? A tremendous Prussian armament would bombard the seacoast cities and an army of incredible numbers would invade the United States. Unless a great army were to be mobilized in a miraculously short space of time. In this tremendous crisis there should be but one thought in the minds of the people, and that should be, “What can we do to* help win this war?” These are extraordinary times, and the ordinary affairs of the people sink into insignificance as we contemplate the possibilities of this world war.