American Falls press. [volume] (American Falls, Idaho) 1907-1937, 1918-09-03
IMPRESSIONS OF CONDI-
TIONS IN EUROPE.

4 =
In response TO numerous requests,
Otto H.. Kahn has made the following
statement for publication to the
press:
Spain Neutral But Sympathetic.
AS TO Spain. although German in
trigue, INSCRIPTIONS plotting and
propaganda are rampant, the widely
prevalent impression that her people
are predominantly pro-German is err
roneous. Spain is neutral and means
TO remain out OF the war, but l am
convinced that her sympathies, on the
whole. are more pro-Ally than other
wise and can be made still more so.
The developments incident to the
war have greatly strengthened. to-
gether with economic position and
prosperity. the national consciousness
OF Spain. Their policy Is Spain for
the Spaniards, They don't intend
after the war to be the tail I o the kite
OF any nation or group of nations.
The prevailing sentiment is friendly
to America. and | am convinced that
with understanding, tact and sym
pathy towards Spain, coupled with a
reasonably liberal policy in furnishing
her the raw materials and other
things she needs from us. we can OBJ
tain everything from her which we
have a right TO expect from a friendly
disposed neutral.
Several plans are under contem-
plation for closer and more active re-
lationship between America and Spain
after the war. which is greatly to be
welcomed from the point of view of
both people.
The Germans are leaving no stone
unturned to secure for their indus
tries and commerce after the war an
advantageous. influential and per-
manent footing in Spain, which coun-
try. owing to It's geographic and con
omic situation. bids fair to be an i'm
portant field of activity.
II is to be hoped that we shall not
delay too long in laying at least the
ground work for the adequate asser-
ton of American enterprise in Spain.
The country offers a number of com-
mercial opportunities and great ma
tural advantages. apart from being
replete with beauty and interest.
Our Army.
| cannot find words to express the
depth and intensity of my admiration
for the spirit, the morale and the
achievements of the American army.
1t is difficult to speak Of our boys
and their leaders without using lam
guage which may sound rhapsodical.
and which yet is 10 more than the
bald and sober truth. | have met a
great many officers and men on the
boat going over TO Europe. at our
army bases, along the lines of COM
municati0n and at the front.
Everywhere I found the same simple
and unostentatous. yet grim and
mon determination to hold life cheap
for the honor and glory and safety of
America. everywhere the same mod
est. sympathetic and soldierly bear
ing. and keen and Quick-witted adapt
ability; everywhere the same note Of
splendid and eager courage, of willing
discipline and service. Of uncomplaiu-
ing endurance under hardships and
discomforts. of buoyant good nature
and humor. of clean aud kindly
thought and feeling.
There is grateful acknowledgment
In the army Of many things admirably
done for the welfare of the men. And
there is universal thankfulness that.
as far as 1t is humanity possible TO
prevent il. the home authorities have
not permitted politics to touch the
army. and that merit is sought for.
recognized and rewarded,
Only Minor Complaints.
I did not hear a single real COM
plant except on one inc score
and on that the complaint is almost
unanimous-namely, the stiff collar
and general inappropriatness and dis
comfort of y army uniform. which.
by the universal verdict of our own
men and Of those OF other nations. is
both the least weil-appearing and the
least practical Of all uniforms.
There is also sOme %grumbling about
the dilatoriness in making payment to
soldiers and about the slowness with
which mail is handled-the latter a