South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1921-10-24
OPEN THE DOORS

II you have not written as yet your president.
Warren O. Harding. demanding 20 know ALL that
goes on in thar conference of nations which he has
summoned. do today
Unless that gathering formulates some program
which viii end make them most improoa-
bic. unless there s agreement based upon
mutual confidence. &c discard ornaments. except
for policing against lawlessness. the whole trend
q civilization may De changed
The sober truth Is that the world cannot stand
the GRAIN OF cost n money for wars.
1t IS staggering now under the debt of the Great
war-that war which this country fought in belief
that It was a war end wars"
1t cost, in dollars, more than fifteen times
much IS had all wars that had been fought
from 1893 to 1910.
Il cost in human life the tremendous total Of
ninety millions when the increased death and
decreased birth rates figured.
But tossing aside any sentimental regard for
life and looking at the cost in dollars. the
total is such as 10 prove to one who stops for
moment 70 consider the matter that the breaking
point has been reached.
The wars of the world had cost, 1929 to
1910. approximately twenty-three billions of dollars.
The world war from 1914 TO 1918 cost directly
the staggering total OF one hundred and eighty-six
billions OF dollars.
There was an indirect cost such loss of pro-
ducnon and damaged property Of another hundred
ard seventy billions.
Civilization is struggling hard to withstand the
terrible burden that this IMPOSES. to fight for it's
very integrity against the temptation to maddened
changes and desperate revolutionary methods Of
escape.
This country. the soundest and safest the best
able to hold to its course. is paying and must
pay for years for it's share in that
The interest charges each year. upon the present
national debt is approximately the amount of the
total national debt in 1913.
At that time this country a of a little
over one billion dollars Today the national debt
is twenty-five billions with a doubtful chance OF
collecting some ten billions loaned to the allies.
These tremendous sums would not terrify
they the end But unless this conference dsarms
the world merely enter upon
slow. gradual process that gets nowhere and would
be a continuing cause for dstrust gigantic
must be provided each year for future wars.
The military party this country-and there is
n military party-win argue that the best way to
avoid war IS TO have 50 huge army, powerful
. a fleet Of batteships. overwhelming power of
air and submarine forces that no will dare
attack
When that cost 10 added to the debts that must
De paid IT would mean that all time must
lay almost the entire total Of their earnings for
the purpose Of being protected while they work.
II would send civilization back to the days of the
. cavemen. when the male, armed with club. stood
guard while he female rusted for food for both
There a definite plot to defeat this conference.
demand for it expressed the hopes and aims of all
people. hope TO hatch a scheme in secret which
they will thrust down the unwilling threats OF all
popular governments.
There will be demand that this conference be
q secret one.
That conference was called by America-not by
the president his personal party but the
demand for it expressed the hopes and of al
Americans
Every citizen has right 20 know what Happens.
he has right to refuse to go behind locked doors
TO rIot and scheme--either person by HE
proxies.
r plain statement by the American members ttat
there must be full publicity would gain publicity.
The nation that refused would be under suspicion.
: The source Of future would be located and
known The chances that any representatives
who refused TO accede to the demand would be
called in dishonor by their own governments.
Read again these figures OF the cost Of wars. Is
81 worth two-cent stamp to make the effort
curb or ssor this tremendous drain upon your
Iahors?
If it IS write Prest Harding and tell him TO
open the doors and give everybody "a look"