Honolulu star-bulletin. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1912-2010, 1917-02-02
FEBRUARY 2, 1917
~WHAT CAN AMERICA Dos9

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On the lips of Americans today there is the fate,
full word war But a break of diplomatic rela-
lions with Germany does not necessarily involve
single offensive military step for the United States
That the war would be won were America to
throw her tremendous resources into the scales on
the side of the Allies there is doubt Both sides
have admitted, by their strategy and diplomatic
moves that the conflict has resolved itself into
struggle of endurance. 1t is contest Of resources
And the entrance of America would throw the bal
ance overwhelmingly on the side of the Entente
Powers.
This could be done without moving an army
brigade or q batteship. The weight of Uncle Sans
financial power behind the Allies just now would
decide the war. We could organize such mighty
tide of foodstuffs and munitions flowing toward Eu-
rope and made available for the Allies would in
the end accomplish German defeat.
Backed by American resources, the British and
French naves could protect the British Isles from
starvation through submarine blockade The cost
would be terrific probably the German U-boats
would wreak great damage, but ultimately the supe.
rior forces would prevail and the Emitted States
could pile up in the British Isles stores of provisions
sufficient to place England, Scotland and Ireland
beyond menace OF starvation.
Were America to enter the war, however, military
steps would be taken at once. Our naval program
would be speeded to the limit for German sub,
marines might seek 10 raid along shores, the
LBS has shown can be done Our army expansion
would be stimulated TO the utmost The great in
dustfial structure Of the country would be turned
far more definitely toward war purposes thap it is
today.
Warning that Uncle Sam will not tolerate the
German policy OF ruthIessness at sea is no idle
threat. 1t is the solemn notification of power
which is the richest in the world which has the
greatest combination Of natural resources and equip
mcnt of men and machinery to make these available
for war purposes.
We have exercised forbearance TO the point where
Germany appears to believe we will not fight. But
there need be no msconception on this point. The
Whole history Of the American people has been that
Of readiness to fight when honor demanded it. /
White European nations where developing their
military organizations through generations of wars
for 4llousy for conquest, for dynastic reasons we
have been developing our peace organizations as
land Of homes AZ haven for the oppressed foreign
en-. But Americans did not hesitate to fight when
ragged eontinentals alarmed, halfstaryed, they
faced the relocated British and the hired Hessans
and 6 they fought for principle then, they will
do again.
This nation does not wish to engage in war. We
conceive national life something higher than des
iiOying felloWmen. Our thoughts are not Of cam
pagns and or preparations therefore have not been
for campaigns But If war is forced on the United
states, the poughshare will be turned again into
the sword and the sneering question "What can
America do anyway will be answered with deeds |
not words |
s. e ~ $50