The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1916-09-07
WARS CONTINUANCE IS MURDER

defensive works more numerous, was
one q the tremendously Influential
features n the early days Of the war.
The Germans before Eerdun have
again tasted the bitter fruits OF near
victory on the Somme fronts how
ever. We believe the allies are paying
dearly for their steady gains What
will their losses BE by the time they
shall have cleared France Of In
vaderso What headway will they
make on German soil against tre-
,nendously strong defensive works
manned by those who will die rather
than surrender, ENCOURAGED ratne,
than discouraged ny the glorious
record of the French a. Verdun in
response to the command Die under
sbese works, but never surrendor
hem?
Crushing OF the Central Powers is
possible from a military standpoint
But tie price will be one no com
n1a1der can view with any dcsree Of
satisfaction. 1t means that at least
sixty per cent OF all OF the allied
troops rev under arms viii be killed
or wounded 1t means that the Cen
trail powers will sa crifice even a larger
percentage Of their men before yield
ing because the houses Of Hohen-
zollern and Hapshurs know that. If
the war Is to be only ended by the
conquest OF their countries, It means
their elimination from the politics Of
; Europe Hence they will night to the
death
@ As we have pointed oat many Times
e the seeds of future wars are sown in
e uurighteous and unjust treaties Of
: peace, If Europe would again be
n happy it must be just. Not only must
il seek happiness from the arts Of
. peace rather than of war. but it must
= adopt the great American ideal. 80
, nohy voiced by our President or
Y seeking each HIS neighbors good.
r And what can America do in the
l. premises? May we not renew our
suggestion 20 the President that he
4 Irge upon the chancelleries of Europe
= the splendid expediency OF stopping
81 for Fl season this awfus cata s,ropns by
O truce of thirty days that the rulers
2 ana military commanders. freed for
Z the moment from the terrible strain
= TO which they are subjected. may
8 quietly 81 down TO think over and
( discuss the situation we have for a
g year held to the belief that a mont n
: of freedom from the smell OF gun
powder and the sight of blood would
s restore Europ" 20 her senses ana lead
q to permanent peace We put this suE
9 -tStlpN up 20 the President and urge
= that he cutting all diplomatic red
e tape now call all Europe TO a period
n trace, a period OF prayer. too, that
4 the earthly rulers Of men may again
attune themselves TO the Divine will
p >that pride, and arrogance, greed and
= hate may give place TO love and mu-
70 tual esteem and consideration, that
the awful wounds OF the past may he
= healed. and peace on earth" may
: again reign
, We cannot escape the BELIEF that II
] will be America and Americas Presi-
, dent whose high privilege IT will be
= 20 lead the world back TO the paths
. II pence. Who knows but that this
e NAV he the hour of our opportunity TO
= render notable service to the world?
. May We he Divnely directed to do our
fun duty in this respect, that we may
Y not he ohscsscd Of our own problems
! to the exclusion OF the tribulations Of
7 our unfortunate brethren across the
= sea. Let va strike for peace with all
I the power that is in US.