The Harrison times., 1916-10-14
The Big Military Review.
Ell Paso, Texas. Sept, 20, 1916

the troops stationed at this place and
Fort Bliss, said to be a review Of the
largest number of United States sol
diers since the close of the civil war.
| II was indeed an imposing sight to
/ those who never witnessed a large
parade of troops. There was twenty
seven thousand in line OF march, rep
resenting every branch of the military
service and was seven hours passing a
given point. The line of march was
down straight, level street with
nothing to impede the view for miles
and the columns marching four
abreast and with that military precis-
ion of step that gave to that sea OF
human heads as they marched that
undulating motion that reminds one
of the gentle rolling OF the waves Of
the sea. At the head of each regimen,
was carried a regimental banner with
number and name or the state from
which they came printed thereon, and
also "Old Glory" which never failed to
bring the loyal citizen, uncovered to
his feet AS each regiment passed it
was greeted with cheer after cheer by
the patriotic citizens that were view
ing the parade. These men, a few
weeks ago were all engaged in the
peaceful pursuits of civil life, but to-
day displayed the aptness of the Amer
lean citizen to adapt himself to every
and any condition of life with which
he may be confronted.
May we not be excused for cherish
ing a little pride in being a citizen of
a country that can produce such Citi-
zen sOldiery, for finer corps of men
were never marshaled beneath the
flag OF any other nation.
A few weeks ago they were the
countrys greatest wealth producers.
today they are the nations protectors
and defenders. The same intelligence
that directed his pursuits in civil life,
making him a valuable citizen, are
equally as valuable and essential to
enable him to perform his duties as
soldier with judgment There were
soldiers from nearly every state. and
all were as near physical perfection
as could. be secured in the United
States, all in the zenith of manhood, |
ranging from eighteen to thirty years
of age, the most valuable class of citi, |
zens to the welfare of any nation.
This is the class of citizens whom |
those that are clamoring for inter
vention in Mexico would sacrifice and
for what purpose? There would sure
ly be neither pleasure or profit in
Staying a few thousand Mexicans,
therefore, the only possible advantage
to the United States would be in dol |
lars and cents and who shall be able |
to compute the value of one of those |
lives or erect standard by which |
they may be sacrificed at so much |
coin per. 1t is claimed that the Amer
ican mining interests in Mexico |
amount to $350,O00,00O. Whether this
amount is real or fictitious does not |
matter, so far as the principles gov.
erning this subject is concerned, but |
who shall answer the question of how
many of these young soldiers lives
shall be sacrificed to satisfy the mine
a proper effort to guard their inter
ests, or secure to them their conces;
sions, or in other words, how many of |
these young lives would be equivalent
to their money investment? My
answer would be, not one, for the val |
ue Of human life cannot be computed !
in dollars and cents.
Having arrived at mans estate be.
fore the civil war, and witnessing
some of its horrors has fully convinced
me that General Sherman was right
in his definition Of war, and while our
hearts go out in thankfulness to the
clergy for their endeavors to save us
from General Shermans prototype Of
war, should we not be equally thank
ful to the president for his, so far sue,
cessful efforts to save us from that
calamity that is now devastating Eu.
rope and Mexico alike, the calamity Of
war. Should not the heart of every
American citizen go out in gratitude
to the president for his efforts to safe
guard our interests without the sacri-
flee Of honor or the shedding Of blood
Tor preserving to the country, to his
home, to his friends that most perfect
type Of the American citizen.
IT, perchance, war must come let
1t be when sacrifice of honor is in.
evitable, and every effort toward a
peaceful solution Of differences has