New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-05-10
Should Uncle Sam Go to War.

To the Editor Of The Tribune.
Sir: 1t seems reasonably clear that Ger
many, by her insolent disregard of all rules
and amenities of civilized warfare, is will
fully arrayng all the civilized world against
her, in a supreme confidence in her uncon-
querable might. Might, not right is the IS
sue she offers, in which she hopes to pre-
vail
1t also seems increasingly obvious that
Germany is deliberately seeking TO embroil
the United States in the present war. For
this proposition it is not necessary to cite
particular acts, for they are fresh in every
mind.
Such a war between Germany and the
United States would. Of course, involve at
the outset the seizure Of the German ship
ping in our ports valued at something like
S140O0o,O0O. besides the warships that are
nterned. Why are the Germans willing TO
pay so much, in advance, for the sake of such
Il war?
Some reason for this course may be found
in the policy of the present administration
of "watchful waiting" which the German
mind nterprets as a policy of timidity and
weakness, which it is supposed will do all
things to avoid war.
But behind this there is probably more
subtle calculation and purpose. Among our
hundred millions here are something like
twenty millions OF Germans. With few and
honorable exceptions, these twenty millions
are judged by the German government to be
German first and American afterward; and
are regarded as ready to throw their infu-
ence, and. if need be. their personal efforts,
against the country Of their adoption when
ever an issue may arise between Germany
and the United States.
Whether this conviction be we'll founded
or not, it sufiices for present purposes that
Germany entertains it and counts upon il.
Germany may well reason that if the United
States were provoked to war with her 90 per
cent Of the American people would take up
her cause here; and that not in passive sym
pathy, but in active cooperation. Furni shed
with German money and endowed with Ger
man patriotism, these twenty millions may be
expected to rise and assert themselves in
some revolutionary way against our own
government and to paralyZe any attempt of
our government TO engage vigorously in
such a war with Germany. The German
League. which was heralded some months |
ago and which now remains in ominous |
silence, is the natural nucleus here, and
I
exploit.
Such league, supplied with arms and
united in action, might readily overpower our
small regular army and the militia forces
which could be called to it's aid might by a
premedtated plan take possession of our
forts and arsenals, and for the time being |
dictate terms 70 the national authorities, |
who would be taken by surprise.
There is a darker side to the picture OF !
possibilities. With their system of espion-
age the Germans have in all probability sew
eral spies in the crew of every important
warship Of the United States, and many
agents in all the principal cities or places
where arms are made or stored
With the remorseless ideas with which the |
Germans carry on war, il is TO be expected /
that if war were declared between Germany
and the United States every available means
would be employed by the secret agents Of
Germany to blow up our ships. to blow I'D
or burn our armories and arsenals 70 de-
stroy our public buildings, and even TO try
to set fire to our towns and cities. in order
to strike terror into the hearts of loyal citi-
zens.
Against such possibilities due precautions
should be taken, and at once The army
should be increased. The spies should be
hunted down. All traitorous organizations
should be put under the ban of the law and
More than this: Germany should be made
to understand that il the United States is
forced into war against her il will put into
the field within six months time two million
men, good fighting men, as good as her best.
and that these will meet her forces on the
helds OF France or of Russia and will be
supplemented by as many more as may be
needed, and that when the United States goes
to war it goes to win, and will not stop
short of final and absolute victory.
New York, May 8, 1915. W.G.W.