The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1918-12-22
THE REAL TEMPER IN THE
ALLIED COUNTRIES.
Otto II. Kahn Declares That the Ut.
most Good VIII Prevails.

most Good WIN Prevails.
To THE EDrroR OF THE suH-str: The
recent outgiving Of Mr.. Frank r. Kent in
the Baltimore Sun Is infinitely regrettable.
It would be 80 even II It correctly rep
resented the situation. But It does not.
II does contain certain facts These
facts, however, are neither new nor
10 their publication harmful. however
questionable II may be In taste. The
Objectionable and pernicious part of the
statement Is not In its recital OF facts,
but in the setting forth Of Mr. Kents
own deductions and In his reproduction
Of mischievous gossip.
My Justification for taking part in
the discussion aroused by Mr.. Kents
statement rests on the fact that was
in Europe during q considerable part
Of the period to which Mr.. Kent refers,
and that had occasion TO see the prln-
cipal members of the British and French
Cabinets, our own leading representa-
tives. from General Pershing and Am
bassador Sharp down, and editors Of the
most influential organs OF public opin-
ion In England and France.
From the facts as q had opportunity
TO ascertain them and not from hearsay.
know that the attitude of the gov
erning circles in these countries was and
In one OF The utmost good will and the
most generous recognition toward Amer
lea, and the sincerest seeking for last
ing and cerdial friendship. know OF
lniy own knowledge that moro than once
requests from the representatives OF
America were compiled with, although
such requests did not accord with the
views of tho French and British au-
thorltles, and at times were far from
easy to meet--and they were complied
with solely from a warm hearted desire
to accede to anything within the limits
OF tho practicable that America might
ask OF them.
And I have mover seen or heard OF
any moro touching and unanimous man
Hesitation on the part Of the people OF
one nation toward those OF another ma
ton than the solcitous eagerness on tho
part Of everybody. hightor low. In Eng
land and France TO make our boys well
come and to minister to their we'll be-
ing and comfort And the universal
praise and admiration bestowed on our
soldiers for their appearance. conduct
and valor were in striking contrast TO the
reticencc OF the English and the French
in speaking OF the sacrifices they had
brought and were bringing. the priva-
tons they had endured and were endur-
ing, and the superb heroism OF their
own defenders.
If anything can be moro regrettable
than Mr.. Kent's remarks concerning
England and France. to whom the world
owes a debt beyond all appraisal. and
the alleged frame OF mind Of their Gov
ernments concerning America, It Is what
he says about Italy.
Italy might have stood aside from the
great conflict and by bargaining secured
from Austria nearly everything she
meant TO obtain, without nring shot.
But, with O fne passion for freedom
and right. she chose the road of daring
and Of sacrifice. She chose to throw her
sword into the scale on the side OF the
cause Of justice and humanity. She did
so, not when the star of the Allies was
in the ascendant. but at the moment
when they had received a severe set
back through the disastrous defeat OF
the Russians IN the spring OF 1915. In
|
fought vigorously against the most for
midable difficulties, while her people SUI
fered untold hardships through lack OF
fuel and food. After the disaster OF
Caporetto. due to causes for which little
responsibility attaches to her, she &C.
conpl!shed tho wonderful feat OF stop
ping the invader when everything was
in his favor, OF holding on with grim
determination, OF beat!ngs on his re-
newed attack last summer. and finally
Of utterly defeating him. Her soldiers
fought at the French front in manner
worthy Of her comradeship in arms with
the soldiers OF France.
What Il meant TO the allied cause 20
have Italy on Its side can be best ap-
preciated II We picture to ourselves what
would have been the situation II Italy
had sided with the Central Powers, OF
oven II she had merely been benevolent
ly neutral toward those Powers.
In view Of what italy has done, dared
and suffered for our common cause 1t
IL more than deplorable that any Amer
lean in q responsible position should
make himself the medium for publish
ing insults against that great nation.
And, without the slightest wish to re-
vive old controversies, may add this:
For three terrible years tho allied
nations fought and bied and sacrificed
before America came to realize that
their hght was our fight. and that our
place was by their side. During those
years we drew enormous wealth from
their resources, depleted In the struggle
for a sacred cause. Some things which,
at the time. hurt them deeply were said
by US in the course OF Official pro-
nouncements
We entered the war very, very late.
almost too late. Since entering It Amer
lea has conducted herself In a manner.
at home and In tho field. which meas
ures up to the full greatness OF her
traditions, OF which We are Justly proud,
and which has gained for US a position
OF the highest honor and OF immense
prestige and power among the nations
Of the world. But does It not behoove
US. and especially those Of us whose
words ind their way into print. 70 look
back from time to time to those thirty
three long months which preceded the
9th Of April. 1917. and Should not that
retrospect tend to cause US to put q GER
tain measure of restraint upon our judg-
ments, claims and utterances?
OTTo II. KAHN.
NEW YoRK. December 81.