AMERICAN PREPARATIONS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XL, Issue 1792, 21 February 1918, Page 2

AMERICAN PREPARATIONS.

THE basis underlying the American preparations is described as a recognition of the possibility of the war lasting three years, and even longer. This recognition does not mean that the authorities believe in the probability of the war lasting three years, but to shorten the Avar Washingon believes the best policy is to provide for a long Avar, and the measures already taken in the Avay of voting money, conscription, and supplies should be accepted as evidence of that belief. The AnierL can Government proposes to benefit as regards preparations, not only by America's experiences in past Avars, but by the experience of the allies in the present war, and it is not to be lured into lessened efforts at co-operation because of reports, hoAvover Avell authenticated, that an internal break is forecasted in the Central Empires OAving to the marked growth of the spirit of democracy find also because the German army is short of men. Americans generally since the Avar started have cast aside the evil spell of the Ger* man propagandists, and they are noAV comunced that the Avar is being fought, not only to make the Avorld safe for democracy, but safe for the United States. So far the Aveakest point has been shipping, and to the shipping programme, delayed as it has been by competing interests, special attention is hoav being given. Reports indicate that German hopes of any failure due to shortage of jtrapsport Avill be crushing! y s*3 pointed. The efforts made in Germany t° represent the United Slates as hopelessly divided, and the pacificist utterances of Senator La Follette as typical of the country, have created illusive hopes for a tifge, ?nay have reacted tipop Russia,- Ipit the Wilholmstrasse at iegst knows the (ruth, and the Central Empires cu?b ndt be permanently hoodwinked,