The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1911-10-03
Gen. Miles Gives His Views
on TurkO-Italian War
BY GEN. NELSON A. MILES.

Copyright. 1911, by the Newspaper
Enterprise ASSN
AT a time of profound peace not
only in Europe but throughout the
world. when the human family Is en-
joying greater prosperity and tran
guilty than ever before, when inter
national good will is more universal
than at any other time. the intelli-
gence Is flashed beneath the seas and
over the lands that two powerful ma
tons are TO become involved In war.
that the valor, fortune and resources
OF the two nations are to be pitted
against each other and that human
carnage and sacrifice must continue
until the resource Of one Of the con-
tending powers shall have been ex-
hausted
One may well ask the cause OF this
serious CONFUSION and why the neces-
sity of moving great armies and pow
erful fleets againss each other, or one
might ask the question: Is there suf-
ficient reason, In the light OF present
human intelligence and civilization
for such a war as we now anticipate
Especially might this question be ask
ed when the strongest minds, the
deepest thinkers, the best philoso-
pliers and the most humane and gen.
erous-hearted are advocating arbitra-
tion-the settlement OF international
questions by a court OF reason and
by a parliament or congress OF ma
tons.
This seems to be no exception to
the general rule that wars occur when
least expected or anticipated. In fact.
during the last two hundred years In
less than 10 per cent OF the wars that
have occurred has there been any
formal declaration Of war preceding
actual hostilities. In 80 per cent the
menacing movements OF great armies
and concentration OF fleets and, In
fact actual hostilities have preceded
a formal declaration OF war.
The purpose of nations acquiring
new and additional territory has pre-
vailed for centuries. For long period
of years the unexplored continents OF
North and South America furnished
a field of conquest for European ma
tons. In more recent years the celes-
tial empire has been invaded. and
England, France. Japan. Germany and
Russia have acquired large or small
districts of that territory. A contio-
versy between two or the strong In
vading powers Russia and Japan
caused the most serious war OF recent
years.
The explorations and discoveries
made during the last few years on the
continent of Africa have opened a
new field for the ambition, avarice
or enterprise of European powers. The
success of the English, French, Ger
man and Belgian colonies has attract
ed much attention and caused an &C
tive interest to be awakened in other
countries. What the result Of the con-
test between the powerful nations OF
Italy and Turkey will be. II is impos-
sible, at present, 20 forecast. There Is
Is nothing more uncertain than the re-
suits of war and the unexpected fire.
quently occurs.
The impending contest Is evidently
to be between two distinct races. or
different religion, habits and modes OF
life, each inspired by strong national
sentiment and devotion. The military
forces of both nations are well or
ganized, disciplined, instructed and
equipped.
had a very good opportunity dur,
ing the war between Greece and Tur-
key of seeing the army OF the sultan.
They are a strong, powerful body or
men. absolutely temperate. thorough
ly imbued with the belief that In serv-
ing their sultan they are serving Al
Ian and that their reward from God
will fully commensurate them TOT
their valor and sacrifice.
From the days of Won Moltke they
have had the assistance OF scientific
and able German military instructors.
and their officers and generals are ef-
ficient In all the modern appliances
of war. Their armament IL chiefly OF
the best German construction, and
their Notifications. especially those
guarding the Dardanelles, are equip
ped with Krupp high power guns.
The Italian army Is much less In
strength than the Turkish army, and
although il has been many years
Nince they have been seriously en-
RAged. vet they are In frstclass con-
ditfon as to organization and equip
ment\> Italy has, however, a greater
preponderance Of naval power, and
with thisIhey will be much superior
in the first engagements and military
operations.
Whether othsr European countries
will be drawn Spto the controversy,
at present is impossible to determine.
II would seem thbt there Is no occa'
sion for such Complications. They
will acknowledgements war material
for both contendinA powers and pos
sibly the sinews Of N2r.
fortunately. our great republic is
too far distant to become involved,
and II we have any good onIceS In the
interest of peace to tender. III w9vSd
seem that now is fitting time rath-
err than to wait until the contest has
been decided on land and sea.
NELSON A. MILES.
Ileutenant-General United States
Army (Retired)