The Daily Star Mirror

GERMANY EXPECTED PROFIT FROM WAR

ENGLAND AND AMERICA UPSET FINANCIERS' PLANS FOR PLUNDER

Among other humorous twists of the "efficient" German mind was the belief that the war, for which preparations had been made for decades could be carried on at a "profit."

"Six weeks to Paris and a billion dollars indemnity," said the kaiser, "and half the north of France annexed."

Then not more than three months to St. Petersburg (as it was then) and not less than three billion dollars indemnity, with most of Southwestern Russia added to our soil."

Alas for efficiency! Wilhelm now has on the wrong side of the ledger a sound thrashing and twenty billions of dollars war debt, besides what few billions he will accumulate in his ninth war loan, now being floated.

German bankers, wont to discourse profoundly of "victories of profit," rated 1871 as a "reasonably profitable" adventure.

In August, 1914, they doubtless expected a return for Germany of at least 1000 per cent. In June, 1918, they rubbed their hands delightedly over equally bright prospects.

Now, such is the fickleness of fate, they are talking with infantile seriousness of a victory "at par."

What Germany will get is becoming more clear every day.

When the full tide of America's war strength set toward France early last summer, German hopes began their last ebb.

The French have now forced the Germans back to the north, east and west of Rheims, where neither German nor French have been able to make progress since the lines were locked late in 1914.

The allies, with the Americans now in France, might be able to give the Germans the absolute defeat that will be inflicted upon them before their peace "yelps" are taken seriously.

They will not be called upon for such severe efforts, since America continues to pour a hundred thousand or more troops monthly into French debarkation ports.

America at home must provide the money for our great and growing army.

Make YOUR Fourth Liberty loan subscriptions bigger.