Notes & Comments - Aug. 13, 1914

World peace will never be realized so long as nations continue to add modern death-dealing armaments.

After war, who is to act as mediator? The victors will have Europe in their hands to deal with as they wish, and it is doubtful if much concession is shown Germany.

War is to be lamented and avoided as it does not effect a nation’s honor. England found herself in a position where she had to fight or lose her honor. Who will say she has not chosen the proper cause?

That grand little nation of Belgium which to-day holds first place in the respect and admiration of the world has a population of 7,432,000. Her imports are $900,000 and her exports $750,000 yearly. She has an army of 175,000 men, every one of whom stands ready to fight his life for the honor of his country.

It did not take Canada long to show her loyalty to the motherland. From all parts of the country came volunteers ready to do their part at home or abroad. Financial assistance was not lacking, and now a million bags of flour has been offered and accepted. Canadians will stand by the old land so long as she has a citizen or a dollar.

Many were of the opinion that this European war would be of very brief duration. Such is impossible, now that it is on, there must be a fight to a finish. This is the only way left to ensure future peace. The right is sure to finally prevail.

Germany has long impressed the world with her proficiency in the art of soldiering. Her people are not lacking in intelligence, in industry or in courage. As a nation they are to be admired, but their emperor has by jumping into war placed them in the inevitable position of having, with the exception of Austria-Hungary, the civilized world against them. The Kaiser needs a good thrashing and he is due to get it, although the chastisement will probably take some time to completion. After the smoke of battle has cleared away, we predict that the Kaiser will never again be the whole show in this great nation, which will in all probability be a republic or a monarchy.

Canada is at war. It is the duty of every man and boy, every woman and girl to do whatever is possible to make our people secure. We know that there are in this country many of the enemy. We should watch them. Already attempts have been made to destroy property, railway lines have been endangered and information has been set out of the country. Germans and Austrians who are willing to abide by the laws of this country should be protected in their privileges; but those who regard this as the enemy’s country must be kept under observation and possibly placed under guard. If our readers will report to us any questionable conduct on the part of any foreigners who may come into this district we shall notify the proper authorities.