The Brunswick news. [volume] (Brunswick, Ga.) 1906-2016, 1917-04-27
AMERICAS Duty.

1
East Should the war be long one
as many predict, the help of China
might prove an extremely important
factor. Moreover, if we look still
farther ahead and consider the sit.
uation after the war, what is now
done in China is Of still greater i'm
portance.
China. in severing diplomatic rela-
lions with Germany, announced DELHI
erateIy that she was following the
lead Of the United States. Everyone
familiar with the situation in China
knows that that country is eager to
follow the United States and not to
be driven into action by the European
powers who have already possessed
themselves Of Chinese territory. and
specially by the power that has ap-
parcntly been using the exigencios Of
the war TO strengthen her grip on
China
According TO all the late newspaper
reporte tremendous pressure is being
brought TO bear upsn the Chinese
government to join the Entente on
terms to he arranged Many people
feel that this means on terms that
viii place China definitely under the
leadership Of Japan, and that the final
upshot would be that China would be
forced to concede practically all OF
the demands of Group V. which she
was finally able, under the pressure
o. world public opinion, to avoid two
years ago.
There can be no doubt that the
majority of the thinking Chinese, in
Guiding the government, would vastly
prefer TO 20 into the war. but under
the leadership of the United States.
In the interests of democratic gov
crnmcnt the world over, in the in
terests of China, in the interests of
the United States, both during the
war and after the war. and If we
take far look ahead, in the inter
ests, also, of all of the rest of the
world, ought not the United States
TO encourage this sentiment in China
Apparently the United States gov
eminent will have three billions Of
dollars to loan to the allies on favor
able terms. Ought not China to have
at least modicum Of few millions
out of these billions? One per cent
of this huge sum would put China
into position to straightcn out her
own internal affairs reasonably we'll.
Five per cent would enable China
to prove a very important factor in
actually lighting in the war If trans
portation for men and troops can be
furnished, and if those for whom
China would be fighting could furnish
arms and munitions. If the war lasts
and the allies Try to make use of
China. II will be American money that
will outfit China Would 1t not be
| wiser for this American money to be
| furnished, not indirectly through 9th
crs, but directly by our government?
Tho president and the United States
government have been sincere in
stating that the United States in this
war would ask no indemnity. were
| seeking no terrilorill advantages, he
history of our relations with China
proves beyond all cayil that the Unit
1 cd States, by dealing with China di
rect viii seek no advantage, But
would il not be really an act of 10y
atty TO the allies to see to II that any
money used in the war is SO used that
it will not give to any other nation
the special opportunity by Selling al
undue advantage to make of China
practically vassel state? Ought mo-
America instead, by loaning money
directly TO china 10 help Young ant
struggling republic of noble ideals
and aspirations to remain n really in
dependent democratic state?
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RALLYING TO THE SOIL.