Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1940-12-26
1 Might Be.
| Wrong--BUT.
by p. G. Stronberp

During the next month news
papers, magazines, the radio,
statisticians and all who make
an effort to analyze and interpret
current history will be full of
comparisons of 1910 as one of
the most outstanding years of
history. It will rate the most
outstanding year of modern times.
$50 much has gone into the
making of history that it is
difficult to realize it has all been
packed into a period of twelve
months. The best way to get a
clear picture Of 1910 is to go
back to the end of 1889 when so
'much was written in the same
Eein Of what was considered a
very eventful year and what was
looked for in the coming months.
One year ago the European
War was being dubbed "The
'Phony War;" France was still
high and mighty among nations
land her people felt a supreme
confidence that the Maginot Line
was an absolute guarantee of
security. England was doing a
good job of patroling the seas
but at home she was not making
q supreme effort to prepare her
land forces. Denmark, Norway,
Holland, Belgium, Rumania and
little Luxembourg were still in
dependent countries carefully
conducting their foreign relations
as neutrals hoping to avoid en-
broilment in the general catas-
trophe. Italy had not entered
the war. General Gamelin was
still Generalissimo of the Allied
forces. Practically no bombing
of towns had been recorded.
Neville Chamberlain was still
England's Premier. Greece was
at peace. Finland was waging
her heroic battle aaginst Russian
encroachment. The Unite d
States, with confidence in the
combined security of the Maginot
Lime, the British Navy and the
Atlantic. Ocean, was not yet
ready to embark on a program
of defense. There had been no
indication as to whether or not
President Roosevelt would seek
third term.
Bringing ourselves up to the
end of 1910 and reviewing only
those events mentioned above
we find that "The Phony War"
has developed into the most dis
astrous destruction of all time.
Frances Maginot Line has be-
come the imaginary line and
France lies PROSTATE under the
heel of the German dictator.
England, suddenly awakened to
imminent danger ana miracu-
ously Withdrawing a huge army
from the mainland, began to
lake the war seriously. Churchill
replaced Chamberlain. England
WAS threatened with invasion.
Italy entered the war. America
became hysterical and entered
Unto a tremendous program Of
national defense and aid to
England. Germany, by fair
means or foul, occupied Den
mark, Norway, Holland, Bel
giun, Luxembourg and Rumania.
Italy attacked Greece and
Greece surprised the world by
Throwing Mussolini's forces
back. Finland was forced to
cede territory and naval bases
TO the Reds. Germany and Italy
entered into a mutual assistance
pact with Japan. Bombing of
Downs has destroyed billions of
dollars in property and caused
NE death Of thousands of nom
fombatants including a high
percentage of women and chill
lren. For the first time in his
Tory war has been brought into
he homes.
As the end Of the year APP
breaches there is still a feeling
that Germany will make an
fort to invade the British
Sles. There is a fear that
loison gas will again be used.
There are indications that Rus
la vii soon challenge Ger
nany's increased influence in the
Balkans. The United States is
CONTINUED on page 81