South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1915-03-24
Mishawaka, March %, 1915

To the Editor News-Times,
While the European destructive
conflict proceeds, we Americans who
are in state of reason may, by con-
sentative reflection, absorb a worth
while and lasting lesson. which, with
combined action, may be able to ad-
just conditions and delay if not avert
order that we may arrive at a cOnclu-
sion and thereby perfect a plan. our
attention must first be centered on
the cause and destroying effect in all
Europe.
Many theories embracing many
angles have been offered as an excuse
for or in condemnation Of the Eu
ropean war. However, there cannot
be a conclusive justification in either
case, when reason is the basis upon
which such conclusion is arrived.
False theories, laws, education and
so-called reason. is the basis or cause
for the present bloody conflict now
being waged in "old Europe" By
and through the false conceptions and
Indifference of the great majority in
ages gone by, laws have been made
and chiefly interpreted in the protec-
tion of wealth and not life In sup
port Of such property protection,
divine law becomes a willing substi-
tute in the interest Of big business,
lords. dukes, honorables, etc. While
laws We're being made and interpret
ed, selhshness nOurished and greed
cultivated, industry grew TO crafty
ing magnitude. With the growth OF
industry came improved methods of
production. Goods were produced
with lightning like rapidly. Foreign
markets became necessary If industry
and unjust distribution was longer to
maintain her standard OF profitable
exploitation. Each country suffered
like conditions. With such conditions
reason became paralyzed while
spasmOdic passion resurrected clan
nish patriotism and selfish cOncep-
tons. At once the mind holding ma
chinery was put in overtime opera
ton Patriotic speeches were heard
echoing from within the chambers Of
lawmakers. Newspapers were rem
dering valuable service. Columns
adorned with big "scare-heads" over
flowed with crocodile tears. The re-
taiIers and other distributing agents
busted themselves with clannish play
While little children strained their
voices with the words and music OF
national airs.
Why shouldn't the holders of big
business easily and securely remain
quiet? All tools were at their dis
posal. For such. all was operating
satisfactorily. With their keenness OF
intellect they looked through the dis
tant fog and viewed a greater coun-
try more profitable 10 exploit Seers
and sages are endowed by parental
influence and suggestions BY this
prenateled intellect and observation.
coupled with past experiences. big
business Custodians had seen the ne
cessity OF building a clannish or ma
tional defense under the wOrld-title of
patriotism. Too well they knew that
where competition prevails and
profits were at stake defense becomes
necessary. So one industrial nation
after another was bristled into ready
ness for action. Eventually results,
SO far as the great mass are concern
ed. depends upon economic intelli-
gence OF the majority OF people. The
immediate result at this time can be
determined only by prophecy.
However. IL may be safe TO assume.
with some provisions. that should
Germanv win in this bloody conflict