The Ocala banner. (Ocala, Marion County, Fla.) 1883-194?, 1918-08-30
ONLY THROUGH VICTORY

41e German order tor mobilization
was issued August /, 1914. Vague
realization that civilization was cap.
able Of sustaining a world war for four
years was in the minds OF the Ameri-
can people at that time
The seeming impossible has hap
pened, and in spite Of tremendous loss
Of life and destruction of property. the
end OF the terrible conflict is not yet
in sight War is becoming the estab-
lisbed status Of human society and
win continue so until the issue is de-
cided. InJividgal undertaking and
opinions must Of necessity be sub
servient to the needs Of the govern
ment There can be no compromise
or the issue, the free nations are
agreed. through the leadership Of the
most pacific people in the warld, the
people who first fought for the right
ecus cause Of liberty, but the most
aversa TO war-the Americans
America did nor take UP the sword
until compelled to. which created in
the minds Of some Of the people OF
other nations an unfav0rable impress
sion as to our lighting qualities and
resources. No utterance Of states
man was ever more misunderstood
than that Of President Wilson, we
are too proud 10 fight" The full sig.
nifcance OF the remark comes home
when the despicabte methods employ
ed by the Germans become better
known. What man Of intelligence or
breeding seeks to enter iuto brawi
with a bunch Of barroom ruffans, until
the police are found incapable or hand
ling the situation. But once this 900
proud individual is satisfied that it
is for the sake OF humanity that he.
must enter the fight. you will never
find him laying down until it is finish
ed on terms that preclude of another
one from the same source. The Ger
mans have boastfuIly underestimatedl
the peace-Ioving Americans, who are
lighting for no selfish purposes and
seek nothing but a return Of cOndi
tions under which all nations both
great and small may be permitted to
live at peace with their neighbors.
As the war entered upon the fifth
year this attitude became better
understood by nations who formerly
looked upon US as a dollar grasping
people The war is costing the Am.
erican people approximately $4,000
900 q day Our loans to Allies have
reached a sum greatly 10 excess Of
the entire cost Of the civil waA yet
there has been no complaint worth
while noticing Every sacrifice asked
by the government has been met by
the main body Of our teople in a spir-
it which cannot help but reassure
other nations of the genutneness Of
America ) answer"
The great mass OF the American peO-
pie. and no doubt those Of every ma,
ton would be glad to have peace
come tomorrow if it were the right
kind Of peace. But they will fight, sac
riice and give four years more if
necessary to prevent the wrong kind
of peace. This tremendous cost Will
not &c counted as waste if the world
is rid Of such barbarous, selfish and
avarici0us autocracy as the huns are
trying to establish New faith and
new courage IS given to free ma
lions by our entrance into the war and
the determination to win as shown by
the united efforts or our people.
Through the great work being con-
Quoted by the Division Of Films, our
Army at Home" is given o chance to
see what their manpower, money and
food resources and thrift have accom-
plished in the short space Of one year.
1t is right that these great achieve
ments should be shown everywhere as
an inspiration for even greater accom-
plishments.