Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1919-04-10
What Germany Did to France.

We have read much about the ruin
that the Germans wrought in France
but we have had hitherto no exac,
knowledge concerning it, and nothing
in the experience of the world could
give us any basis on which to esn-
mate it. Now we have the report OF
the Red Cross, which has carefully
investigated the destruction in north-
ern France and computed the losses
that the German invasion caused.
AT one time or another about $500
communes or villages we're IN the
hands Of the Germans, together win
number of cities or large towns. In
a great many of those communes not
one building is left standing. None
OF the communes escaped some dam
age. Ate least 100000 houses we're
completely destroyed, and twice as
many we're more or less injured. Mod,
erately estimated, the cost OF rebuild
ing will be four billion dollars. II all
the carpenters and masons OF France
were set TO work to replace what tho
Germans have destroyed. II would
take them twenty years to do IL, and
meanwhile no building could be done
in other parts OF the country.
To repair or replace DESTROYED or
damaged public works, like railways,
canals and bridges, will take two bill
lion dollars.
The Germans ruined at least thous.
and industrial plants and broke or
stole machinery worth at least a bill
lion dollars. That includes most OF
the equipment OF the French textile
Industry, about two thirds OF which
was in the occupied districts.
There were more than 10000 far
mers in those regions; the Germans
stripped almost all OF their horses,
cattle and other live stock, OF their
vines and fruit trees, OF their buildings
and farm machinery. They laid waste
more than 250OO0 acres so ehcctual-
ly that they cannot be cultivated for
many years. To restore the agricul-
tural value of that region-so FAR as
il can be restored-will take at least
two billion dollars.
The total loss TO France through
the German invasion is not less than
ten billion dollars. The French them
selves put il still higher; but even the
lower figure means that one eighth OF
the total national wealth has been de-
stroyed.
Some persons may say that large
part Of the destruction was the ineyis-
able result OF war that was not pro-
voked BY France, but wickedly entered
upon by Germany. The Germans had
no other purpose than to ruin and en-
slave the French, and they were able
to effect that purpose only through
cynically violating the neutrality OF q
neighboring nation. Furthermore,
much the greater part OF the mischief
they did was willfuI and unnecessary;
il was part Of coIdly calculated poll,
cy. There is 10 disputing the fact;
me Germans themselves boasted OF
il.
TFere are some persons who are
aid that the Peace Conference will
be "too hard" on Germany. They
protest against the punishment Of a
nation that has planned and carried
out the most malignant and wanton
work Of devastation and robbery In
all history. And they do IL, although
the Germans speak no word OF regret,
make no sign OF repentance, do moth
ing indeed TO indicate that they real
ize in the least what they have done,
II is hard 10 understand such a point
OF view; but it is hard too, TO under
stand Why there are always persons
who are ready to fll murderer's cell
with flowers and to oyerwhelm him
win sympathy they do not think Of
extending TO those who have suffered
through his crime.