Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1917-05-01
AMERICA s SWORD Of
WAR IS RAISED AND
READY To STRIKE
Allied Commissions and the
United States Have CompIet-
ed Program Reaching From
South America to Russia


greatest war conference in history,
America tonight had a firm grip on the
sword of Mars and was drawing back
her arm to plunge it deep into the Euro
pean war.
The allied parley modestly began
last Monday as a mere interchange of
courtesies. Then ideas as to how the
United States could help in the crush
ing of Prussianism were exchanged. To-
night the ramifications of develop
ments so far recorded encompass the
world and reach from the home of the
Argentinan to the hut of the moujik
in Russia.
Liberty enlightening the world on her
block of stone in New York harbor
took on new significance.
The situation may be summed up by
quoting an unnameable, though supreme
authority in world politics, who said:
IF the time ever comes that the
United States shall enter the war OF
nations, it will bring an entirely new
alignment of world forces and resolve
itself into a monumental struggle for
the preservation of democracy and Of
the occidental race
The last seven days, in the opinion
of experts in world politics. have mark
ed the setting on of this trend
Already, by the appointment of Elihu
Root as head of the American commits
sion to Russia and today's avowed in
tention of our European allies to stand
behind that commission ito prevent a
separate peace with Germany and keep
aiight the spark of freedom Pickering
in the recent domain of the car" the
United States has begun its world lead
ership. The second most important
phase of the weeks development which
stand out tonight is the rapidity with
which America at war is drawing the
bonds of mutual interest close about
North and South America.
What the Pan-American union has
striven for years to do what the COM
mercial. Industrial and diplomatic forces
of the nation have sought to effect-a
genuine community of interest between
the Latins of the south and the AngloS
Saxons of the north-is being accom-
pIished by the war.
Allied conferees here in world parley,
while of course saying nothing Of
ficially today, let it be known that they
believe South America logically and
naturally will strongly align itself with
the United States.
Every war development in South
America since the United States DE-
cIared itself against the Teutons has
tended to confirm this.
Brazil has severed diplomatic rela-
lions with Germany and is on the verge
of a declaration of war To-day she
made diplomatic soundings as to the
possibility of financial help from Amer
| lea in case of war.
The population of Argentina has been
clamoring for a break with Germany.
TRIBUTE TO WASHINGTON. p
| With the ground laid for a working
agreement with America in the common
cause against Germany. the British and
French war missions will rededicate
| their united efforts to democracy to-
morrow in impressive ceremonies at the
tomb of George Washington at Mount
| Vernon.
Through her foreign minister. Arthur
James Balfour, and in the presence of
many of the foremost leaders of the
Britishs empire, Great Britain VIII
publicly pay homage to the memory OF
the man who in the name of democracy
led the revolution which tore one of the
| brightest Jewels from the British
crown. A wreath will be placed on the
tomb by Mr.. Balfour, as the represen-
tative of the British government, sig
nalizing a public manifestation OF
honor seldom equalled in British his
| tory.
| France. through former rPemier vi
viani, now minister of justice, and
Marshal Joffre, popular idol of the
French people. will accord to the
Father of the American republic the
highest honor within the gift of France.
In placing a bronze palm leaf on the
sarcophagus. Frances two leaders will
complete the original purpose of their
mission TO this country in thus paying
homage to Americas forefather, TO
whose aid France came in 1776.
MAKE TRIP IN YACHT.
The union of Great Britain, France
and the United States over tomb or
! Washington will symbolic to Amer
! ica's guests a contamination OF the
| Joint crusade against German autocracy.
Members of both missions spoke of the
ceremonies today as carrying a great
| Significance. To England it means the
final healing of the breach made by
the revolution; to France reconsecra-
ton of the ideals of the two countries
along the best lines of democracy
The party will go to Mount Vernon
on the presidential yacht Mayfower'
accompanied by the members OF the
| cabinet and their wives, military ana
naval officers, Chairmen Padgett and
Swanson of the house and senate naval
committees, respectively, and Governor
Stuart of Virginia. More than lou
American officials, all told, will be in
the party.
Both the British and French missions
made considerable progress today In
their conferences with American off,
Gals.
Intensive discussions by experts along
the lines laid out by Mr.. Balfour oc-
cupied the British. Major c. E. Dan
sew, Of the British war office. continued
his discussions with General Scott,
chief-of-staff: Admiral Sid Dudley X.
S. DeChair talked with navy depart
ment chiefs on maritime questions, and
4. G.. Anderson, chairman of the wheat
executive commission of England
France and Italy, saw members of the
shipping board. British trade experts
conferred at the British embassy in an
effort to systematize the information
requested by American officials on
trading with the enemy, export restric-
tions, the rationing of Holland and Scan
dinavia, and German trade influences in
South America.
Groundwork for understandings on
various subjects related to the conduct
of naval. military and economic war
against Germany was laid at confer
ences between the French and Amerf-
can officials. Tangible results are err
pected within the next few days, after
President Wilson personally has taken