The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1917-04-11
AMERICA N WAR.
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In times of intense mental stress, it is well
clearly i1h mind the ultimate object we have
in View.
If america is in this war, through no will of
her own, It is, riot to help OF to hurt any particu-
lar beliigereat, but to accomplish certain specific
purposes that ale distinctly and wholly American.
That fact is/one which eTery American should
set resolutely before him, and keep before him.
America IS at War, not TO further Russian dreams
OF conquest, nor to destroy Germany, but to as
seTt certain SPECIFIC American rights, which, as
Americans, We feel bound to maintain. So far as
Americans are concerned, this is not a war to hold
the German colonies for England, to win back the
lost provinces Tor France, or to place the Slav in
control of the Dardenelles, but to protect Amer
lean rights on sea and on land, and to ensure that
our sons will have handed down to them unfair
nished the heritage OF freedom which our fathers
bequeathed to Us.
In war it is for US to use our resources wisely,
with an eye single to the efficient accomplishment
Of these great aims. We must consider, not the
fortunes Of other belligerents, but our own future;
end not merely the immediate moment, but the
troublous times sure to follow the war, when per-
haps we will need our resources of men and money
more even than we need them today.
After the war, what will face us? We will find
great European nations, armed and trained to the
last man, burdened with debt, eager to recoup
themselves, casting greedy eyes on our own devel-
oped resources and on untouched South America.
We must be ready to meet the issue which will
face us then.
So it is well, whatever comes, to keep constant
ly before US the clear cut American purposes for
which we are at war, and to be luIed into pursuit
of no other selfish objective.
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THE AMERICAN SPIRIT.
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Day by day the spirit of giving to the country
grows and spreads. It nanifests itself in many
ways. Thousands Of young men and nen who are
no longer young are Offering themselves for what
ever service may be asked of them. Danger and
hardship make no difference. Others are making
the country presents Of cherished possessions
Some give automobiles From some the govern.
nent receives offers of copper at half the market
price. Great manufacturers tender the use OF
their plants at no profit. or only a very small mar
gin over the actual cost of operation. Rich meI
offer yachts as gifts. Big brokerage houses say
that they will charge no commission for selling
war bonds which they expect the federal govern
nent to issue.
With this spirit growing and widening it is
going to be no easy matter, says the CLEVELAND
Leader, for any persons having war business with
the nation to attempt extortion. Green canno
flourish vi.re patriotism prevails and n~anifests
itself in sacrifices Of money, time, effort and ser
vice of whatever kind may be possible.
There has never been any doubt about the re
sources and latent power of the American nation
Now it is daily growing clearer that the spirit Of
the country can and will rise to the best flights OF
patriotic devotion it made in the years when tn
republic was young and small and rich only il
the loyalty and character of its sons and daugh
tiers.
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TO THE FARMERS OF MISSISSIPPI:
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Americas rights have been invaded; her lib
erty has been threatened; and our nations pres