Highland recorder. (Monterey, Highland County, Va.) 1877-1972, 1918-04-26
MONEY SACRIFICE
WILL SAVE LIVES
Cost Of Present War Nearly Equals
Americas Expenses Since
Time Of Wash
lngton.

The American people have spent the
sum of 26,300,000,OO0 for the main
tenance of their Government since it's
inception 142 years ago. That sum,
large as It is, has paid for the enforce
ment of our laws, all public improve
ments made by the Federal Govern
ment, all purchases Of territory as
well as the cost of all wars we have
fought to preserve our own freedom
and to guarantee that of smaller and
more dependent nations.
In this present year we are finding
it necessary to spend sum almost
as colossal merely for the protection
of our freedom. The Government is
expanding $4,000, 100000 of money In
1918 and, should the war continue for
three or five years as is confldentally
expected by officials in Washington,
it may be necessary to spend this
amount or over more. In his address
to- the Congress some weeks ago,
President Wilson pledged Americas
last dollar and the last life to the
cause we have championed and the
preservation of the Union and our
freedom. 1t Is the belief of many
close to the international situation
that 1t may take Americas last dol
lar; it Is the prayer Of the Nation
that we may not be called upon to
sacrifice the last life. Whether we do
depends primarily upon our willing
ness to sacrifice NOW large portion
Of our pleasures and luxuries and to
practice economy so far, as concerns
our necessities.
Where is the money coming from?
The sum of twenty billions of dollars
Is an uncomfortable sum to any of us.
1t is many times greater than the
combined wealth of the twenty-five
richest men or corporations in the
entire United States. Yet that money
Is here and in fact can be realized
many times over. The question which
confronts our Government is how best
to obtain the use of it. Huge sums
were required quickly at first and to
obtain them the system of Liberty
Bond Issues was adopted; as addl-
tional amounts are needed other Lib
erty Bond issues will be made. For
the most part, such issues must be
taken by the more wealthy individuals
and businesses, but their loans are
not sufficient to defray the cost of
the war or to approach in any meas
ure close to the twenty billion mark
required, nor will the increase in tax
alton, which effects US all, supply the
remainder.
This Is Americas war and as Amer
ica's war, q war in which we are
Americans must play our full part.
Wealth is contributing money and thu
lives of it's children. Some of us are
contributing our children and more
of us will be called upon to do so.
But If we are willing to offer our lives
for the cause we surely should be
willing to LOAN our surplus dollars
to insure their proper defense.
Just as has been granted to those
of wealth the opportunity for lending
their capital to the needs of the Ma
ton at a high interest rate, SO has
the Government provided means
whereby every man, woman and child
can do his part in assisting the Coun-
try. The War Savings Campaign af-
fords this opportunity by enabling us
to loan sums as small as twenty-five
cents at time. 1t Is duty owed by
US all and the campaign Is an appeal
to our appreciation of that duty. Pa
trtotism and the determination THAT
freedom may not perish from the
earth" demand that we practice econ
omy and thrift and give to our Gov
eminent the support that now Is 80
vital to its life.
w