Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1917-10-30
Our Troops in the Trenches.

CeneraI Pershings announcement that Amer
lean troops are now in first line trenches on the
Western front with American artillery behind
them is a matter Of deep and stirring significance
This, the first contingent of our expeditionary
force to enter actually in the fighting. may not
number more than a few battalions; the sector on
which they are stationed may be quiet compared
with other parts of the eversressful battle line in
France; and the primary purpose of putting them
in the trenches at this juncture may be merely TO
steel them for greater adventures ahead and to
give them experience which they can apply to the
training of other contingents. But the fact re-
mains that they are there-OUR men, fighting for
our liberty and homes and for the cause OF hu-
mainly and civilization. At last America is in the
war with all her being-her treasure, her faith and
her best hearts blood.
For months past, indeed from the day We ac-
eepted Germany's challenge. the United States has
been effectively in the war. The millions of dol
lars lent our allies, the speedingup OF our ship
building program to offset their tonnage losses,
the entrance OF a fotilla of American destroyers
into the thick of the campaign against Uboats, the
important patrol duties assumed by units OF our
navy and its still important service in con-
voying tens OF thousands OF soldiers, together with
vast quantities of military supplies, safely across
the AtIantic-through these and kindred activities
we have been actually and powerfully in the war.
public has been but family impressed. But Ger
many has been intensely impressed, particularly
since the establishment of the embargo that is
pIetely cutting of her food imports from adjacent
neutraIs and since the mighty oversubscription Of
the second Liberty loan in which she reads the
immovable purpose of the American people.
But when all is said and done, the most i'm
pressive and the most directly potent force
through which to express national sentiment
and will is not money, not embargoes, not COM
mercial and diplomatic measures, but MEN bear
ing our flag to the battle front and clarifying
cause with their lives. That is the deep signif-
canoe of General Pershing's announcement. Our
MEN are there-not simply in France but in the
trenches. front-line trenches, just few
yards from the Huns. Just how soon or to just
what extent they will participate in important
offensive can only be surmised. It is commonly
taken for granted that the Americans will have a
major part in the big spring drive Of 1918 1t is
by no means unthinkable that they Will see ag-
gressive service before then. Secretary Baker
Interestingly remarked in one of hts recent re-
views Of war operations that ct is not anticipated
that the Allies will go into winter quarters this
year" That is to say. there will be no pause in
hammering and thrusting the Kaiser's plainly weak
ened lines in the West. Only the worst that the
weather can do will prevent continuing and vigor-
ous winter campaign. II will not be surprising
then, II hear OF notable activity the part of
our troops before spring unleashes the greatest
drive of all. In any event, the that they are
mastering on the battle front, in steadiy-growing
numbers no doubt, is enough to quicken the pulse
and deepen the loyalty OF every American.