Licking Valley courier., 1918-03-28
GUMPTION, HH~
Which is plain Common Sense, in United States
language, without Educational FurbeIows.
BY l.. II. IIOVFRMALE.
Civilizations Fate Hangs on Battle Now Raging
I. -: {. -


The long heralded German drive on the western from
IN France has come and upon it's success or failure in
large measure depends the duration of the war and tn
extent which America will have to participate The frs
reports that reached here eXtremy dscouragng in
dlcang that the Germans had penetrated the British line
on considerable 'front.' but todays Mondays news tC
the effect that the British retired and led the Germans in
to trap and slaughtered them by thousands with machn
guns ls too early the battle to predict with certain
y the outcome OF what promises to be the most sangun
ary conflict of the bloodest war in history
While the result of this battle does not decide the con
fct between the warning nations it will have marked
affect upon it. If the Allies can hold the Teuons back anC
preserve their front unbrOken it will sweep aside forever
e German hope of victory the west front and put the
Germans on the defensive with army broken in morale
ana Wthout hope IT, on the ether hand the Germans dc
break through and make decisive gans means that the
war Will be prolonged indefinitely and that America will
oe required to furnish millions of soldiers to finally win
u y
But regardless of the result of this battle it behooves
America to speed up in war preparation and every loyal
American should get enthusiastically behind the Govern
ment and spread the spirit Of patriotism and devotion to
the cause OF freedom Our liberties are at stake and the
United States the cradle of liberty should respond as one
man when that liberty threatened If Germany is sub
dued the United States must do it, Let's get that truth
nrmly hxed In our minds It's up to us, let's do it, We
on account OF our isolation have not realized fuv the
gravity OF the situation 1t has not been brought home to
as as 1t Will be later In the battle now raging hundreds
OK Americans are losing their lives to protect you in the
liberty and freedom you ow enjoy Is not that sufficient
2 arouse IN your breast-f you truly loya-a fierce
determination TO do all in your power to make our victory
Sure we are Tar too Indifferent and cautiously
critical and either consciously unconscousy sow seeds
dlscontent and dlsloyalty.
AT this the most momentous period in the history of
the world politics should be absolutely forgotten has
been by all true patriots Because Democratic admins
tan happened to be governing when entered the war
did not lessen the ardor with which all truly loyal Repub
lcans rallied to the countrys cause and as whole they
have been as loyal good American citizen should be-
Senator Boah Republican Senator from Idaho in recent
Speech sounded the real American note when he said that
we should boast Of the marvellous things the war mana
gers had accomplished rather than criticize their bunde
lie stated that bunders had been made but considering
the magnitude of the task it would require Divine per-
son not to bunder Contrast that spirit with the spirit of
tne lCe local peanut precinct politician who is so narrow
That ne would rather America late than to win under
Democratic administration who sits in the stores and pours
out his grumbng, his criticism and seditious talk We
have few OF them, and in this critical hour the local
Council OF Defense should at least warn them that such
talk borders dangerously treason At this time when
our poys the hover OF American young manhood are Of
ferng their lives to perpeuate the liberties we eniov no
loyal citizen hafheared in his aegence to his country
lie either heart and soul American or he is
When you hear man say: "Of course am for America
but just make up your mind that hidden in his heart
is treason The genuine, loyal American offers no quail
flying explanations. His direct statement 81 am for
America" leaves but interpretation ''For America
right but right or wrong for America" is the true test
but in this war right Every loyal citizen should
keep his ears open and promptly report any talk that Sc
ditious to the proper authorities
The mighty battle now in progress may last weeks.
For fftyone days and nights the Germans hurled wave
after wave of the flower Of their army against Verdun to
fail in the end There will doubtless be many minor vic
tories one either side before the final issue decided and
we must not look for to attend the Allies in every
minor instance The enemy is powerful and resourceful
and will score some successes but the final result will de-
pend upon the stamina of the opposing armies Wild ru-
mers will fly thick and fast throughout the country but
keep cool until you hear the truth Sundays disquetng
Fumos We're swept away by Mondays heartening news.
BE ready TO 90 what you to speed up preparations
tnr more active part in the war; Be active in keeping
the spirit OF patriotism aroused Shame the sackers who
eseekng to avade manifest duty by claiming unmer-
tied exemption The Stacker and the traitor are on par
Whoever WillnU rO do ful dnt, tob