University of Santa Clara - Redwood Yearbook (Santa Clara, CA)

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a Our Part in the Great World War Harry A. Wadsworth. N dealing with so great a subject as America ' s part in the great world war it might be well to consider, not so much our possibilities as a great factor in the war, but more our duty to the nations we have made our allies; our one great chance to return sup- port which was so willingly given when the United States experienced dark days. Is there a true American who does not look to France with the greatest reverence and affection or even love? No ! ! Such would be impossible to con- ceive; and why? In those dull hours when this nation, only a few thousand strong, was totter- ing in the face of a powerful enemy, when liberty seemed to be snatched from the hands of a people weakened by the ravages of eight long years of war, when our brave regiments were succumbing to the guns of the mer- cenary Hessians through sheer weight of metal, and when the cause of justice seemed lost, did not France send to our aid a powerful fleet which enabled us to defeat our adversary; a fleet which brought with it, not only men, but greater than all — , encouragement to the oppressed colonists ? And now, after a century and a half, we find the donor of our independence bled white at the hands of a deadly foe who knows no mercy. Would this alone not suffice to arouse our nation to the realization of her obligation? But this is not all. When our coun- try was bleeding with inward strife and the Southern Confederacy was spelling the word that meant the divi- sion of our union, when foreign nations turned a deaf ear to our entreaties for succor and even backed up our rebel- lious people, did not Russia send a fleet into New York harbor with the com- mand given to its admiarl direct from the Czar to place it at the disposal of the United States government at Wash- ington? Can these and many other well founded facts be easily forgotten? And then there is England, bonnie England, our mother country. Of course, it is true that we have said many uncouth things about one another and we have had our difficulties, but the fact remains that England is really the mother of America ; we are the off- spring. But this is not all. When Ad- miral Dewey lead our glorious fleet against that of Spain it was found that 25

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24 THE REDWOOD ducking the Leland boys, — but we thank— ' ' Where ' s Claude Adrian? shrilled a high thin voice. Telegram for Claude Adrian. The Western Union boy advanced, tall and lean, through the throng, and at Duke ' s command as- cended the platform. Fearing bad news the crowd grew silent. All eyes rested on Claude. With a long finger- nail he ripped open the envelope and by the leaping firelight made out the message. A galaxy of delight spread over his countenance, and turning to Duke with a thril of confidence, he whispered, Do you want to read it? The big varsity captain bent over the typewritten sheet. The suspense was over and the boys fell again into talk and laughter. Duke conferred again with Claude. Fellows, Duke spoke kindly. There ' s a day letter here from Mil- pitas. I ' m going to read it to you. Claude you are my glorious hero. When you come to Milpitas I ' ve still got the ONE you missed when we said good-bye, always MARIE. Forbidding the cheer that almost broke forth, Duke continued: I ' ve just had an idea. If this little lady in Milpitas thinks so much of Claude, why shouldn ' t we? Shall we keep him in the Ship? Not a voice answered. Shall we turn him loose? An explosion, bursting into the night, shook the foundations of the Infirmary. Brother Constantine rose from beneath an overturned chest of medicine, stag- gered from the trembling building and ran to the feet of venerable Dean Rich- ards. Dean, the earth is quaking, cried Bro. Constantine, heaving with emo- tion. No, my son, the aged astronomer spoke slowly, they are cheering for Claude Adrian.

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26 THE REDWOOD there were some British men-of-war on the scene. The Spanish commodore signaled the British, asking them what they intended to do and whose side they were going to take; but he met with the response from the British ad- miral, ' ' Blood is thicker than water. In consequence of such events could America remain mute to the cries of her loyal friends ? That is not the spirit of our government as recent events have shown. But now that we are fighting of what advantage will it be to our allies? This nation is the richest upon the face of the earth not only in money but in men and supplies as well. With the support of the United States the allies can fight indefinitely with no danger of a shortness of food or ammu- nition. A grand army, too, can be placed in the field against Grermany. True this army may be small, but it will be powerful, for Americans will fight to the last ditch for a cause they know to be right. But above all we have shown our al- lies that we believe them to be in the right and have encouraged them, for now they can feel that the bulk of the world is in sympathy with them and will work in harmony with them. (Ufl tl|0 Olonarrtpta Brave sons depart, conscripted from your land Godspeed and let your honor ride the test. False heart beat not, nor stir within your breast. Strong men are you, dread dangers to withstand ; Use not in victory unbridled hand, If beaten, prove you ' re true sons of the west, Who scorn ill deeds when proven not the best. Fight fair and enter into Valhalla ' s band. There warriors, your brave sires ' shades await. Find Washington, majestic southern Lee And Stonewall Jackson, Lincoln too— our Great- Defenders of their homes all brave and free. For Justice, with your blood make red the sod Else— scorn Him not— there rules eternal God. ARTHUR D. SPEARMAN