Martinsburg journal. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1920-1977, 1921-09-17

, Napoleonic way-that Of a few
cannon well-shotted with grape and
strategically placed-has proved to
be effective; but such means, only
in the very last and direst extrem-
ity, are repugnant to the American
mind heart and conscience. But
some way must be decised more hui
name and just as effective, to halt
and dispense the mob.
In the chemical bombs manufac-
tured by the government of the Uni
ted States and by the use of gases
as the government has provided for
the national defense, there appears
beyond doubt to be the means ready
at hand quickly and effectually to
stop either a needless mob or an Or
ganized and methodically directed
campaign against the state, its OF
ficers and agents.
BY such means, the mob or the
army" of the lawleE could readily
be foiled and disar,ned. The mis-
guided men could be reasoned with
and possibly made to understand,
while the organizers and the direc-
tors of the instruction, revolt or
rebellion, could be seized and made
responsible for their offenses. 1t is
/ far better that the instigators OF
i the disorders should be punished
than those who have been lured in
| to- unlawful acts or compelled to
participate in them under threat
/ Of death should bear the brunt OF
! the consequences, while the real
promoters of the disorders occupied
/ safe places in the rear immune
from danger and the consequences,
and free to organize another move
ment of similar character.
This means that the state, to cope
with modern conditions, must not
| depend upon obsolete weapons
There is but one way to preserve
The dignity, power and prestige Of a
state or government, and that
means that it must have the means
wherewith to do it, and these means
must be in advance with the times.
Any cost that may be necessary
thus to equip the state is cost well
entered into. 1t spells the differ
ence whether the state shall be mas
| ter or at the mercy of the mob and
whether it must sit helplessly, with
its hands folded in it's lap, begging
the national government to come to
| its aid. Nothing is more likely tC
! bring the state into disrepute with
the lawless than it's own comics.
sion of inability to protect itself
| however necessary and proper wac
this confession and appeal under
| the present circumstances.
This means that the state must
have among other things a flock Q.
airplanes in this age when IaNtess
men cut wires in all directions
seize and stop trains and blocR
traffic; and must have them Iol
communication purposes as wei &
for the handling of the innocuous
mob-dispersing gases.
Conditions would settle down {
lot better ii a lot Of people woulG
settle fredericksburg News.
The reports that the cotton croI
10 IIO ohAAllcoL III lIIII y -ILIItc years
will be a fine excuse for insisting
upon silk ones.-Blueheld Dali,
Telegraph.
People who think advertising i.
added to the cost of goods snoult
ask themselves who pays the inter
! est on goods that are not advertis
! ed.-Parkersburg News.
People Of the state are pleased Il
note there has been no additiona
eruption in the southern section O
the state for the past few days, ant
it is hoped that with Colonel Martin
sitting on the lid, there will be none
soon.-Parkersburg News.