The Skyland post. [volume] (West Jefferson, N.C.) 193?-1988, 1939-09-07
SAVING DEMOCRACY


After quarter of a century, history is
repeating itself, for Europe is again at war
at war for the principle of democracy, tc
refute the belief that might makes right
And throughout the world, nations and in
dividualS must face the horrible truth that
there can be no "war to end war;; for
in the last great struggle were sown the
seed for the present conflict which germi-
mated under the culture of Herr Adolf Hit
Ter What the harvest will be, none can
tell; but immeasurable sorrow, death and
destruction are certain.
It is no wonder that Prime Minister
Chamberlains voice was filled with sor-
row on Sunday morning when he stood be-
fore the British Parliament and said, "This
country is now at war with Germany. A
simple statement in defence of democracy,
echoed around the world, which is destin-
ed to be far reaching.
Like the Prime Minister of Great Bri-
tain, all peace-loving Americans are sad
dened by the announcement of war. But
here, as throughout the world, there are
actual war, but rather for the existence OF
those individuals as leaders of nations
which make war an absolute necessity.
It was only few short months ago that
Czechoslovakia was sacrificed on the altar
at Munich But this was not sufficient ap-
peasement for Hitler's greed for power,
and in failing to purchase peace at price,
it has very definitely proven that Germa-
nv's ruler cannot be trusted and that the
principle of Hitlerism must be destroyed
if peace and human freedom are to exist.
Traditionally the English are known for
their conservatism, but this characteristic
enables them to rest assured they are right
before they 60 ahead. Perhaps Czechoslo-
vakia has not died in vain, and will arise
and shake the dust of Munich from its gar
ments to walk again among the worlds
governments of the people, for the people,
and by the people.
It should be sanely remembered that the
war in which England, France and Poland
are now engaged against Germany, is not
necessarily a war against the German peo-
pie, but against Hitler and the principles
for which he stands; that the world must
be freed from his influence and greed, at
any cost.
If historical precedent counts, democra-
cy has been and will be preserved; for it
is the oldest, the most uniform and the
most permanent tendency in history. 1t is
synonymous with mankind's universal pro-
gress; and democracy alone can enable
men to build better world in which to
live. It is a priceless jewel to be highly
priced and protected.
How long the present struggle will last,
or how involved it may become, cannot be
determined now at the outset. When we
compare it with the last great struggle we
find that the powers involved are not IL
nancially able to finance long war and
weapons are infinitely more destructive.
Combined with the man power will be a
greatly increased cunning and skill Of ma
chinery. Much of it will be fought from the
air, to a greater advantage than in 1914
The best available estimates on the ar
N.Y. navy and air strengths OF the powers
now at war show that Great Britain,
France and Poland have a combined total
of 4,7OOOOO men under arms; 2,911,894 ma
val tonnage; 5000 first line planes. Germa-
nv has 100000 men under arms; naval
tonnage of 1923; 5000 to 5000 first line
planes.
Americans will be told, and many Of