New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1921-08-21
Is the Real Step Toward World Peace
Cernapqy's Dye
Plants Biggest
War Menace
Can Fill Years Quota of
Shells in One Week, Saws
Scientist; Points to Dan.
ger of Russian Alliance


at this moment is not mentally nrc.
pared to appreciate.
THE question is too big and vita,
to be left to partisan consideration. II
is one on which all patriots can and
should unite as efficiently as all did on
similarly vital questions during tho
recent war. 1t is not sectional mat.
ter, for it has to do with the protec-
ton of every man. woman and child
in the whole country. Progressive
men upon both sides in Congress, in
the Army and Navy, in the War and
the Navy Departments, in the public
press and everywhere throughout the
country, should shake off every shackle
which binds thought and consider this
important factor in national defense.
Progressive Thought Should
Not Be Ridiculed
I'VE must not ridicule progressive
thought. There were many who made
sport of General Mitchell's claims con
corning the effectiveness of airplanes
against battleships. He proved eyerv
one of them at the recent tests at
Hampton Roads, regardless of conclu-
sions of ultra conservative government
boards. The material used by the air
planes was that explosive which, in
the event of war, could be produced in
quantity in such peace-time industrial
works as l have spoken of. 1t takes
but slight imagination to foresee its
power if once combined, as easily may
b" done, with the chief muniton Of
the Great Wars latter days-gas; pro-
ducble in the same plants.
ut was not the instinct of humanity
which prevented Germany, during the
wars latter days, from sending air
planes to drop gas bombs upon de-
fenseless cities. 1t was her knowl-
edge of the equilibrium of the air
forces and her fear that if she started
it, similar offensive might be taken
by the Allies against Rhine cities.
There is grave danger, at the pres
ent moment, that Americas coal-tar
products industries are to be imperied
by Congressional action, so that an in
fiux of German goods will make them
improbable and thus stop their devel-
opment. This done, a weapon will be
placed, financed by our purchases Of
foreign dyes, in the hands of aliens AM
potential enemies, which they coul
use almost instantly against US should
hostilities begin.
Other Nations May Play
A Chastity Joke OF Us
"lf we go to sleep upon this PROPOSE
ton other nations coming to the dis
armament conference may use il for
the preparation of a CHASTITY joke OH
US. Doubtless they will be willing to
agree to a reduction of their navies
and SO on, for that will aid their
budgets by decreasing their taxation.
But their recent legislation shows
their knowledge of the vast importance
Of the preservation Of their chemical
industries. Methods of warfare have
changed. They willingly discard that
which they have reason to regard as
more or less obsolete, for already they
have safeguarded by restrictive legis-
latio1 the production of that which
they know to be essential in modern
warfare. This we neglect-while they
smile in their sleeves. Unless we wake
we shall stand exposed in every way.
In war sense Europe is no longer
at q distance from u.s. Chemical war
fare against US might be projected
from Europe within twenty-four hours
and from Japan in an amazingly short
space Of time. Airships have narrowed
oceans till they are not obstacles.
One oirigible, in one days trip from
cross-Atlsntic could bring enough Of
chemical offense to put New York out
Of business in q night.
chemical warfare has come TO stay.
The League OF Nations was to forbid
such methods. But quickly it was
realized that no forbiddng by &
League of Nations could prevent war
ring states from war utilization Of
the easy products of establishments
essential in peace days and easily and
simultaneously convertible if war
came. No effort at such prohibition, in
TACT, was made by the league experts
who know that it must fail if made
THE next few months can be made
20 tell q wonderful story in the evolu
ton OF humanity. We all long for cor
tlnuel peace. For its accomplishment
however, our public men in Congress
and in the conference must think true
on the question Of chemical disarms
ment
"Is it dollars or lives we are trying
to save?"
Copyright, 1921. Edward Marshall Syndicate