The Washington herald., 1917-07-27
Senate Warned
OF WAR CRISIS
Borah Paints Situation as
Darkest Since World
Conflict Began.

zThe spirit Of vibrant Americanism
rang through a speech made yester-
day in the Senate by Senator Borah,
Of Idaho. The war in which we are
now engaged. said he Is an "Ameri-
scan war" for American rights. Amer
lean principles and American defense.
He denied that we fight to settle
European differences, but to maintain
our own democracy.
Borah pleaded for a definite policy
upon which We fight, not a nebulous
scheme, but something substantial. He
said that now was the time when
we should know the conditions upon
which We would cease to fight
Had this country seconded Russia
in her recent attempt for peace. the
vast and sombre European nation
would have been a 100 per cent bet
ter fighting force today than she really
is said the Idaho Senator:
Never since August, 1914 has there
been a time in this struggle when
the outlook was so serious and mem
acing to the allies as now" said
Borah. There has never been an
instant so calculated to call forth
patriotism and enlist the unselfsh ef-
fort Of the country's affairs as at this
present time.
Russia has for all practical pur-
poses passed out Of the conflict. Her
internal DIFFICULTIES have made it prac-
tically impossible for her to be Of
effect upon the fighting line. That
tremendous body Of people upon whom
all the allies depended so much has
practically left the fighting line.
Gould a more serious message
come. one involving more nearly the
lives OF millions of our boys. than
the fact that Russia is breaking down /?
The American people may we'll Of
fer a prayer for Kerensky. for II his
leadership fails, the situation will be
disorganized beyond power to portray.
Must Realize Gravity.
NO more serious situation could
face the allies. But the best thing
the American people can know is
that the situation Is here, and that
the hour Of sacrifice has arrived.
viii the Senate delay for a single
hour in cutting away unnecessary
things which impede progress? VIII
it not cease discussing this bill on
money going into creek improve
ments.
This is no longer a European war.
II Is an American war. And with
that condition confronting US, II is
necessary that We proceed to legis-
late here upon these respective meas
ures- as if the enemy were at our
sates.
Something was said here a few
days ago about peace. 1t was dis
Cussed. This is not an appropriate
time to discuss peace, or to propose
peace if We propose to have that
peace which is permanent and we
can do it with an enemy that is ap-
parently marching on to victory.
Does anyone suppose that Ger
many at this hour would consider
any proposition of peace other than
the peace which. takes care of Ger
many's interest as she alone sees
it, Does anyone suppose that with
Russia caving in. with the sUbma-
rine war growing stronger and more
effective every day, with France ap-
paTently at the height of her fight-
ing power, and not able in all prob
ability 10 go beyond the point which
she now hOlds-with these conditions
Presented to the German mind-does
anyone suppose that We could dis
cuss terms Of peace upon any other
basis whatever than terms Germany
would practically diCtate?''