Worcester Democrat and the ledger-enterprise. (Pocomoke City, Md.) 1921-1953, 1941-11-21

from the
Democrats Pen

Well, Sir, you know David Harum
rid himself, now and then, Of some
very wise philosophy, and none wiser
than when he said: "Do unto others
40 they would do unto you and do 1t
sfust'." That is to say, if a guy comes
up to you with blood in his eye, and
he looks as if he would let fly hay
maker, the best thing to do is to beat
HIM to the tape ana land ON him, if
possible. The stories we read Of these
picturesque, romantic, wide-brimmed
high-booted, wild westerners; those
fellows who carry . six-shooter on
each hip, and one under each arm pit,
always made it point to draw first,
II the atmosphere seemed q little
heavy. Athletes in q foot-race, gen.
orally try to get a lead over the rest
BY jumping first when the gun is
fired. And 90 it is all through life,
and when one gets left, there's that
eonsoling old adage, "Devil take the
hindmost."
, Now, when. somebody comes along
advocating the reverse policy, ! al
ways think Of the old warning. "Be-
ware of Greeks, bearing gifts;" or
some such homely saw; such as,
'eThere's an African concealed in the
stock of winter fuel!" And what I'm
getting at is, when that man Hitler
comes out and says he's ordered his
ships not to fire on American craft
unless our guns speak first, feel
very much like Lincoln said of man
ne was asked to recommend or do the
opposite. He remarked that-there
was rat hole down in the corner Of
the mans office which bore looking
into.
If I'm going to rely on what fell
low might say, to the effect that he
wasn't going to hit me till / hit him,
/ might be lulled into q dangerous
6ecurity which would result in q bust
edssnDot, fractured jaw, or wall
Top on the chin sending me to dream
land before could hit first. Danger
ous to be late in the matter Of self
defense.
So, maybe, Mr.. Hitler had better
think one or two thoughts about
this you-first-G as coigne attitude
You see, some Of these Yankee boys
already have their fingers on the
trigger and are rarin' to go. And
they amt such bad shots when you
come to think of it. These old United
State of America have pretty good
record on the high seas. Ask Great
Britain what she has to say. And
maybe those Algerian pirates might
have some interesting testimony. Also
the Spanish admirals might be will
ing. to add word. So If Hitler gives
our sailor boys a chance to fire first,
there might not be any NASTY" ship
to send an answer back. Anyhow, I
think the boys fighting under the
Stars and Stripes, win be willing to
take "first co." and Hitler better look
ont for the second and the third go,
following in rapid succession.
How-some-ever, az said in the be-
ginning, / now repeat: Beware of
the Greeks, bearing gifts" I'd take
some more convincing reports as to
who fired the first shot, than what
generally comes over the wires con-
corning the war as the Huns see it.
When a Hitlerite says, "He hit me
first" such a charge needs investiga-
ton, If there's anything left of the
German craft to investigate. If three
weren't, that fact might or might not
be proof of the. start of hostilities.
There might not be anything left to
tell the tale.
But, ] don't think our, lads of the
deep, deep, blue, sea are going to be
caught mapping by such generosity.
They are going to watch their enemy,
and when he makes a motion to draw,
the folks at home can rest assured
Uncle Sans Navy amt any SLOUGH
in getting into action.
Further, don't believe they will
be influenced by Mr.. Hunnish Hit
ler's secondary idea. believe they
viii fire first, second third just as it
seems fit, and / believe they will give
q good account of themselves. They
don't need any previous pronounce
ments from the boss of the Fader-
land; and, so far as they are concern
ed, he can go his way and our Navy
will sail theirs.
And now, maybe, the boys in blue
will take some good advice from me,
or else rot. Go to it, gobs, and rid the
seas of these under-sea pirates. Blow
l.