Imperial Valley press., 1945-01-01
CALENDAR SAYS NEW YEAR
SHADOW OF IA HOLDS

But for the discarding of 1914 calen-
dars and hanging up ones with the figure
1916 displayed, the world would not be
cOgnizant that a new year has dawned
and Is adding its share in history-making.
In fiscal circles it marks the opening of
books on another cycle of business. Only
balances, in red or black are brought for
ward to keep lined with the year just
ended. Not so in the governments fiscal
records which end and begin in mid-year.
And so it is with world affairs at this
1urn. There is so much still undone and
it is with world affairs at this turn. There
is so much still undone and it is because
Of that fact it is difficult to feel that a
new year is here.
The terrible war makes no note of days
or months or years. All that counts is
victory and the end of the killing and the
destruction of so much man has built
in the past-building that should last on
through the ages but for the ruthless
ness Of the war god.
The world eyes 1915 only as it holds
some hope for peace. There hardly is
room for thoughts or consideration of
achievements in the year which now is
history. Only as 1914 marked progress
in conceiving and constructing new and
more powerful war machines, will it re-
ceive thought and be given awards. Not
that there has not been great achievement
and progress. The world can and will
salvage much from all the efforts of
brain and Drawn in contributing to the
demands of Mars, It's true, but that recog-
milton must wait until war calls have
been satisfied.
Science has had its part in cOntribut-
ing to the war effort and many accom-
plishments in that realm will rebound to
the welfare of mankind Invention has
been spurred far beyond its normal pace
in order to produce something more dead
ly than the enemy may have produced.
It is the one bright spot in the dark pic
ture of war, that the tremendous ad-
vance in the field of science and inven-
tive genius can be turned to peace-time
benefits.
But all is not wrapped up in the pres
ent, nor must we altogether keep our
minds on the terrific job to be finished.
Never has there been the need for a COM
prehensive and proper look into the fu-
ture The immediate period of that future
which will follow the end of the war must
have to do with the millions of men who
will be returning from battlefronts. Their
welfare is the first business of the real
new year-the date when warning nations
turn to peace.
There reabsorption into the normal and
right ways of life must come ahead of
ali else. But let us be sure that this
tremendous task and obligated duty are
tied closely with putting the war-torn
world back on its feet; let us be sure
that it be the last time men still be re-
assembled in society after bloody, use
less and unnecessary war. AS surely as
a wrong peace is established, just so GER
tain it is that any redemption of men
will be failure.
Two things the men on the fighting
fronts must be guaranteed when they
stack their guns and start home after
victory is won. They must be sure ever
lastingly that the worlds mistakes never
again will force them or their children
or children's children to fight a war; and
they must have complete assurance that
they will have the simple reward of re-
turning to the lives they left off when
called TO battle.
When all this comes to pass, the world
can declare and celebrate real NEW
YEAR.
AS the tempo of the war increases, the
troops overseas demand more and more
from us here in the United States. The
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