The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1914-08-31
THE EUROPEAN WAR.
(By the Quiet Observer


Here on this side of the Atlantlt
we. as Americans, can only peep, as
il were, on the theatre of war as the
curtains are raised through the agen
CIV of the newspapers carefully cea
sored by the allied armies.
Now and again a little Information
more or less reltable-iilters
through other channels and adds 10
the horror OF the picture, but be 1t
as il is, that picture rivals any sim
liar one in the history of the world.
Ntr is that all. The worst Is yet
to come. The wonderful advance
made by the German army at such
a terrible cost, and so stubbornly re-
sisted with hardly less loss of life,
does not and cannot possibly augur
for an early close of the war. Look
ing at the matter from a purely
commonplace basis, we know that
Kaiser William--for years pictured as
the bearer of the olive branch" must
have had the drawn sword behind
his back and has pursued a policy of
preparation for this period during
years and years.
In spite of the axiom Of "in She
time of peace prepare for war
France has been caught mapping to
a large extent and faces the most
powerful, best equipped and organ
lied army the world has ever known.
The first shock OF the invaders has
been felt and that it was terrific
goes without saying. Just what will
happen next remains TO be seen but
war at no time was ever child's play
nor was it ever over in a few short
weeks or decided by a few victories
or defeats.
In the meantime the war spirit"
reached the east, and Japan has jump
ed into the fray. Japan will bear
watching. History develops peculiar
situations. A hundred years ago
France and England were at each
others throats, Fifty-nine years ago
England and Russia were at it ham
mer and tongs. Behold these three
old-time enemies now fighting side
by side in what they deem a common
cause.
Now behold again the attitude of
Japan-Japan's old enemy-only in
the fray at this time to return to
China territory taken by Germany
twenty years ago.
| am no pessimist, but l sincerely
trust Japan and China will not i'm
agine some day that the Philippines
and a few more points of vantage
on our west looks good to them. If
ever they do, it will cost lots of
money and many good American lives
to convince them OF their mistake.
We are peaceful folks, and do not
want war. We are enjoying our neu-
trality in the present crisis in Eu-
rope, and hope to reap the CONNER
cial benefit, and l trust it will be
ever so.
Speaking of neutrality, though, re-
minds me of the astonishing editor
ial in Saturdays Oklahoman, taking
exception to the individual express
ions of sympathy for the allied arm
les now at war with Germany, aud
suggesting military suppression of
the same, lest America calls down
the ill-will of Germany We all re
cannot help but admire the indom.
liable will of the German emperor
in going Up against the world, so 20
speak, but really think that Amer
lea need not fear Germanys' iirwill
at this time, and while | believe that
our COMMUNICATIONS are entitled to
the utmost respect of their feelings.
!, at the same time, cannot help but
think that the great numbers Of
those of other national descent are
also to be considered. Such clap
trap on the part of The Oklahoman
looks like currying for tho favor
of the few at the expense of he
many. who, ! am sure, resent such
rubbishly expressions OF maudlin
sympathy.