Harrisburg telegraph. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1879-1948, 1914-08-21

ships, IL frst-class cruisers and 400
other vessels.
What Equalizes Contest
At first glance it would seem that
Germany and Austria were hopelessly
outclasSed by the other nations. How
ever, there are some things which
equalize the contest. In the first place,
Austria and Germany lie close to-
gether. By keeping their armies on
the boders they have an immense in
terror to draw upon for food and sup
plies. They have very short sea
coasts, well protected by immense
forts, so that their navies are not
needed along the coasts, but may
wander about the seas making war on
the commerce of their enemies. They
can put their entire strength into the
held against their enemies.
On the other hand. the allies
against Germany have long sea coasts,
which require protection, especially
England. France can rely upon itself
for provisions but England must keep
her sea routes open or else starVe half
her population to death. France can
hurl most of its army against Ger
many, but England must keep part of
her army in India and Egypt and
must keep another part at home. Rus
sla also can spare only part of her
great land force against the Germans.
Germany and Austria are surround
ed on all sides by foes. 1t is evident
that Germany relies upon Austria to
defeat Servia and to hold back Rus
sia, while Germany tackles France on
land and England on sea.
Summary of Strength
The situation. therefore, is as fol-
lows: Germany is completely out
classed in the sea and can only hope
to win by striking sharp blows at
unexpected times, a possibility which
is growing more remote as the war
numbered on land not actually so,
because she and Austria can use ali
their strength. while the nations op-
posed to her must distribute their
strength.
Effect of War on America
NO one knows exactly what the
effect of the war will be on the United
States, some saying it will do good and
others declaring that it will be ruin
Gus. There are no figures available to
SHOW how much American stock is
owned in Europe and how much Euro
pean stock is owned in America How
ever the export and import figures are
interesting.
For instance. the United States sells
Great Britain s597, 900, 900 worth OF
goods year and buys $295 900, 900
worth year from her.
The United States sells France
Sl46' 100000 a year and buys from
France S136. 100000.
The United States sells Russia
S25,O0O,o00 a year and buys S24,-
900, 900.
The United States sells Belgium
S66. 900, 600 and buys SAL, 900, 900.
The United States sells Germany
1891 100000 and buys $1SS.OOO, 900.
The United States sells Austria
x23 600 000 and btit-c 1 O mn nm
From these figures it is seen that
the United States sells Europe much
more than il buys from her Should
the war tie up all transatlantic traffic.
the United States would miss about
$500 900, 600 worth of materials which
come here from Europe every wear,
AT the same time this country would
not be able to sell $1,175, 900, 600 worth
of merchandise ii has been disposlnp
OF annually to the warning nations of
Europe. The result would be high
prices on all imported articles and ex
tremely low prices on articles of which
America has a surplus There is only
one exception to this rule. and that is
hits America may get all the trade
with South America, relinuuished by
Europe. In that case all prices would
go up here.
However. 1t is certain that all trans
atlantic trade will not stop. Even now
English steamers are making thier
way across the ocean. and IL Is ex-
pected that the French line will start
also. Only the German lines are
effected particularly. During the war
there will be some commerce, but not
nearly so much as usual.
Not Religious War
The present conflict Is not a re-
liSious war in the slightest sense.
Probably 1t is the first war fought In
Europe in which religion has not
played an important part. 1t Is true
that race hatred is used in the present
war and that ii was the primary cause
of the conflict but religion does not
enter into 1t In the slightest degree.
For instance, in this war, no one
side is Protestant and no one side