Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1917-05-25
KAISER FACES NEW
FOES, GARY SAYS
Neutrals of South America
and Europe May Join AL
lies-China, Too
URGES JUST TAXATION
Wants Burden of Cost of War
Equitably Distrib-
uted

Predictions that some or ell Of tn
South and Central American republics
China, Spain. Scandinavia, Holland an'
Switzerland probably will declare war oI
Germany was made in a speech before thu
annual meeting Of the American Iron an'
Steel Institute here today by Judge T.. II
Gary, Of the United States steel Corpora
tion.
The United States did not desire and
persistently sought to avoid trouble will
Germany," said Gary.
we have entered upon a colossal under.
taking. on the highest moral grounds. But
none of us realizes the strength OF the
enemy
THE Allies greatest element Of strength
is their principle Of right makes might.
my answer TO the question. what are
We fighting for? is: We are nghting 70
firmly establish and permanently maintain
basis whereby every International ques-
tion in dispute must be determined in ac-
cordance with the principles Of justice.
The time, money and prayers OF all
civilians must be given TO our soldiers and
sailors.
THE pecuniary burdens 60 be imposed
on us will be very great All should be
willing to sacrifice. The iron and steel
industry WIN cheerfully bear its share Of
the load. Personal interests will yield to
the necessities Of the country We love.
TAX burdens must be equitably distrib-
uted The necessities OF life should be ex
empted The channels of business prosper
ity should not be Clogged by taxation
After reviewing the events leading up to
the declaration Of war with Germany Gary
said:
1T is doubtful il any Of us realizes the
strength Of the enemy. even though we know
his grim determination. His numbers, pre-
paredness, resources. devices, creative abil-
ity, methods. protective barriers, means of
rapid mobilization, and transfer OF troops
and supplies are further advanced in effec-
tlveness than any other army or armies
have ever been.
OTHER NATIONS MAY JOIN
For the reason that We are right and
sthe enemy is wrong, we shall probably see
other nations Of strength and Importance.
now neutral in attitude, join the Allies IL
the war Is protracted.
These countries could not afford to per-
init their people TO become subject to the
dominance OF nation which considers
force as the only consideration for aggres-
sion and expansion
Gary then turned to the public's part in
winning the war:
"The task which confronts the country
10 not confined TO the army and navy. al
though they will be entitled to the larger
part OF the credit and glory when We sue
ceed.
They offer their bodies a. a sacrifice
and they must have the undivided. un-
qualified support OF all outside their ranks
"All OF us are fighting iu self defense.
Life would not be worth living " our raE
were to be permanently furled; II our
country were subjugated by an alien enemy,
especially sdch a one as we now defend
ourselves against"
Gary then spoke Of war taxes.
We do ourselves injustice by hsrborinE
the thought that the Government Is parti-
san. tryin gto unfairly treat the private
individual I'm the matter Of taxes
I'VE can rightfully claim only that the
burden OF taxation be equiTably distributed
that there shall be no waste or extravaganza
In making expenditures.
Less than this would tend TO create |
classes--the worst thing for any country
Now is the time To unite the country |
In a common cause. The soldiers are on a !
level All others ought TO be. Classes |
politics, locality and religious differences
should be obliterated"
Gary concluded by thanking the Govern |
ment for "its spirit Of cooperation with |
business"