This Etext prepared by Brett Fishburne (william.fishburne@verizon.net)
"The kinship of blood between nations may grow weaker, but thekinship of ideals and purposes constitutes a permanent bond ofunion." John Lewis Griffiths
The net proceeds of the sale of this book will be used in aidingthe needy families of the men of the Naval Militia who have beencalled to the defense of liberty.
Dedication
To our sailors, soldiers, and nurses in appreciation of theirheroism and sacrifice in the cause of Liberty and Democracy.
"Oh, land of ours be glad of such as these." Theodosia Garrison.
"To such a task we can dedicate our lives and our fortunes, everythingthat we are, and everything that we have, with the pride of thosewho know that the day has come when America is privileged to spendher blood and her might for the principles that gave her birth andhappiness, and the peace which she has treasured. God helping her,she can do no other." Woodrow Wilson.
A Message From Vice Admiral William Sowden Sims, U.S.N., Commandingthe American Naval Forces Operating in European Waters
In such an hour as that with which we are now confronted, when somuch depends upon the individual efforts, our hearts swell withpride as we learn of the thousands of America's best, staunch andtrue men who are so willingly forgetting their own personal welfareand linking their lives and all that they are with the cause ofliberty and justice, which is so dear to the hears of the Americanpeople. All honor to those who are giving themselves as such willingsacrifices, and may God grant that their efforts may be speedilyrewarded by a world condition which will make them realize thattheir efforts have accomplished the desired result, and that theworld is better and happier because of them.
[signed] Wm. S. Sims
American Expeditionary Force Office of the Commanding General
August 4th, 1917
I am very pleased to have an opportunity to say a word in praiseof the Militia of Mercy.
Unless our women are imbued with Patriotic sentiments, there willbe little to hope for in our life. A nation is only as great asits womanhood; and, as are the women, so are the sons. All praiseto the women of America!
Please accept my very best wishes for the success of your organization.
[signed] John J. Pershing.
Introduction
I have seldom yielded so willingly to a request for my writtenviews as I do in this instance, when my valued friend, the masterjournalist, Melville E. Stone, has asked me, on behalf of the BookCommittee, to write an introduction for "The Defenders of Democracy."Needless to say, I comply all the more readily in view of the factthat the book in which these words will appear is planned by theladies of the Militia of Mercy as a means of increasing the Fundthe Society is raising for the benefit of the families of "theirown men" on the battle-line.
And what a theme! It demands a volume from any pen capable of doingit justice. For the present purposes, however, I approve stronglyof a compilation which shall express the reasoned opinions of writersrepresenting the allied nations, while it is a real pleasure toturn for a few minutes from the day's anxieties and consider theone great force which supplies the leaven to a war-sodden world.Are men to live in freedom or as sla