New Britain herald., 1916-12-16
GOOD WILL TOWARD MEN.


 By pointing out that the people of the United States have contributed only $1O,0OO,OOO or less than five per
 cent of the s227,oOO,OOo to purchase
 goods distributed in Belgium 1t is not intended to cast reflection upon the generosity of the American people. The Commission for Relief in Belgium was not the only Organiza ton solicit ing funds for such charitable purposes If it seems that a nation made up of 100.000,000 people or more should have given a greater sum than this it must be remembered that there is not another nation on the face of the globe having so many diversified in- terests. The Canadians who are more wrapped up in the war zone than we in America contributed somewhere near eighteen cents apiece. Our total sum, it will be seen upon analysis, falls short of being a good dime for every man, woman and child in the nation.
 Tho various tag days held through out the country for such suffering lands as Lithuania, Poland Armenia, Albania, Serbia and a host of others, did not fail to awaken in the American heart that generous response for which our people are noted If in the case of Belgium they fell short of the mark it must be remembered that the Belgium relief is not yet fully accorded and that the coming year will give plenty of chance to make amends. The Belgiums are aware of the sympathies that exist for them here and it was but recently that their gallant king sent message of appre- citation to President Wilson thanking the American people. Of all the lands in the old country poor little Belgium is sore pressed. While thinking of her, however, we have also interest in Poland and Lithuania and Serbia and others lands that share the fate of Bel There can be no racial antipatnies at this season of the year when all men in all parts of the globe should unite in a spirit of good will. If there is ever propitious time for peace on earth, it is at Christmas time. 1 If not then, never. But peace or war !! America will not forget the oppressed. 1
 In New York last night there was i held a mammoth meeting of protest | against the importation of Belgians into Germany Prominent men from l all walks of life addressed the gather ing and spared no words in condem- nation of a policy that is inherently l against the laws of civilization In this day and generation there is no necessity that makes for slavery in any form. The principles of interna- of the human conscience do not approve of it. So, instead of money if the people of the United States wish to send something worth while to the people of Belgium they can secure the release of those men who have been deported from their brok- en homes and made to work in another land, even against the welfare of their own. There is no violation of neu- trality in any protest of this kind. If there were then neutrality is not worthy the name. Belgium Is in a pitiful condition as 1t is. No civilized people can stand idly by and watch
 further transgressions against the
 natural order. Cardinal Mercier has painted the picture of Belgium's woes and Cardinal Mercier's word is ac- cepted as the gospel truth. With the | sentiment of the American people in favor of stringent protests against thls further violation of Belgium's honor the President and Secretary of State will act for the best interests of stricken people.