The Brookings register. [volume] (Brookings, Brookings County, S.D.) 1903-1971, 1917-03-15
OUR efficiency
BEING DEVELOPED
IF WAR COMES THE GOVERNMENT
WILL COMMAND LARGE
RESOURCES
NAVAL ARM STRONG DEFENSE FACTOR
Interesting Letter From the Registers
Washington Correspondent
This Week

Washington, d. c., March 15.-Since
the day when the German military ma
chine started on its march through Bel
GUM, the world has resounded with
praise for Teutonic efficiency. The
thoroughness of the preparation for
war in the German Empire under
Prussia's leadership was held up as a
model for other peoples. This efficiency
covering all branches of economic en-
deavor, was the result Of years of in
tense and systematic preparation. It's
M aim was war and the wonderful
economic development which made
Hamburg and Bremen, the great free
ports, hives of industry was, while ap-
p~arently peaceful in it's motive, ulti-
mately designed for expansion by arms.
Yet, without a blare of trumpets.
machinery which eventually will be
fully as efficient has been moving in
America. Beginning with the farms
where food for millions, not only for
Americans, but those in other lands
has been produced, and in the cotton
fields of the South and in the factories
everywhere from the Atlantic to the
Pacific, a vast Industrial host working
for peaceful ends is now entering upon
a period of activity. Whether actual
war is entered into or not, there will be
a demonstration of American efficiency.
After all has been said, there Is no
more imposing demonstration of the
unity Of a people anywhere than can be
seen in this country. Whether it be
for defense or ~offense, American farm
ers and chemists can produce more
useful things than those of any other
nation. Great factories engaged in
peace-time occupations can be soon ad-
justed to the manufacturing of wal sup
plies Of every description at a moments
notice. Pessimists who have deplored
the decadence Of the old American
spirit have no place in the economy of
things at this time. History has shown
the wonderful adaptability of the Amer
can people and there is no reason to
believe that when the emergency
comes it will be lacking.
A feature Of the Inaugural Parade in
Washington was the wonderful show.
ing made by both arms of the national
service. The future officers of the
army who marched as the West Point
Cadets brought cheers from the crowds
that lined Pennsylvania avenue. The
sailors, however, aroused the greatest
enthusiasm. Headed by the battalion
from the Naval Academy at Annapolis.
the b~luejackets from some of the ships
and the lads from the training stations
caught the fancy of the crowds. 1t was
a wonderful display Of young manhood.
intellibent, clear-cut and br%ight-eyed.
The young men of the navy showed
the value OF naval training. There did
not seem to be a sour face in the ranks.
If there is a type of humanity develop
ed by naval training, it is such a type
as is to be desired. The lads from the
naval stations showed that this train
ing. both in the school room and on the
playground, was Of the sort that made
real men.
A big decrease in the holdings of
apples in cold storage in the United
States and a slight decrease in the
amount of butter available. Is shown in
reports from the once Of Markets and
Rural Organizations Of the Department
Of Agriculture.