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THE WORLD WAR
The violation of this solemn compact silenced the British peace advocates. When the British ambassador went to Bethmann-Hollweg to give Germany the choice between keeping honor as to Belgium or fighting England, the Chancellor cynically demanded whether England would go to war "just for a scrap of paper".
German statesmen evidently misunderstood the way in which French- men, Englishmen and Americans take solemn treaties and promises.
England declared war on August 4, 1914.
The Austrian note to Serbia had been presented, out of an almost clear sky, on July 23rd. Only twelve days had sufficed to change the world from Eden to Gehenna. What will seem the responsibility of the Teutonic arch-plotters when they stand at the bar of universal history ?
W. S. D., in Facts About the War, University of Minnesota.
HOW THE WAR CAME TO AMERICA
The more important stages whereby American patience was ex- hausted :
1. Dec. 24th, 1914 (Christmas Eve-fit day !)-Admiral von Tirpitz throws out a newspaper suggestion on an "unlimited submarine policy," and directly asks-"What will America say ?"
2. Feb. 4th, 1915. Germany declares a "war zone" around the Brit- ish Isles, without protection to crew or ship passengers.
3. Feb. 10th, 1915. America warns Germany that harm thus done to American citizens will involve "strict accountability."
4. March 28th, 1915. "Falaba" sunk, one American perishes.
5. May 1st, 1915. American steamer "Gulflight" torpedoed.
6. May 1st, 1915. German embassy publishes warning in New York and other American papers against Americans sailing on "Lusitania," although United States government had decided such action proper and lawful.
7. May 7th, 1915. "Lusitania" sunk; 114 Americans (many women and children) drowned.
8. May 15th, 1915. Mr. Wilson's "First Note" of protest at subma- rine policy.
9. May 28th, 1915. German rejoinder defending "Lusitania" sinking.
10. June 9th, 1915. Mr. Wilson's "Second Note" of protest; just sub- sequent to Mr. Bryan's resignation.
11. July 8th, 1915. Germany promises Mr. Gerard at least to protect American and neutral ships.
12. July 21st, 1915. Mr. Wilson's "Third Note" of protest.
13. Aug. 19th, 1915. "Arabic" sunk unwarned; two Americans perish.
14. Sept. 1st, 1915. Ambassador Bernstorff gives solemn promise at Washington that "liners" will not be sunk without warning.
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THE MAINE BOOK
15. Dec. 30th, 1915. "Persia" sunk unwarned in Mediterranean; an American consul going to his post of duty perishes.
16. Jan. 7th, 1916. Germany promises still again that in the Mediter- ranean, at least, no ships should be sunk unwarned.
17. Feb. 16th, 1916. Germany, seeking a money compromise about the "Lusitania," says that she has now "limited her submarine warfare, because of her long standing friendship with the United States."
18. March 24th, 1916. "Sussex" (British Channel passenger steamer) torpedoed. Several Americans injured.
19. April 18th, 1916. (Following clear proof in the Sussex affair of the breach of German promises) Mr. Wilson threatens to break friendly relations unless outrages cease.
20. May 4th, 1916. Germany formally promises to respect interna- tional law and not sink ships unwarned. ("Promise No. 5.")
21. Oct. 9th, 1916. A German submarine sinks five merchant vessels (one Dutch neutral) off American coast. Heavy loss of life inevitable if American destroyers had not rescued passengers and crews.
22. Jan. 31st, 1917. Germany (having now built sufficient U-boats) tears up her "pieces of paper" to us and proclaims "unlimited submarine warfare", ("running amuck," says Mr. Wilson).
23. Feb. 3rd, 1917. Mr. Wilson gives von Bernstorff his passports.
24. Feb. 4 to April 2, 1917. Seven American ships sunk; at least 13 American citizens on them perish, as well as several on non-American ships.
25. April 2, 1917. Mr. Wilson asks for war.
These are only part of the outrages, protests and promises: a record of patience on our part unparalleled in history !
W. S. D., in Facts About the War, University of Minnesota.
AMERICA'S CASE AGAINST GERMANY
1. Some two hundred and fifty American citizens, exercising rights unquestioned under the law of nations, and traveling under the presumed protection of their government, have been killed by agents of the Imperial German Government.
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2. The German Government was solemnly warned by the Govern- ment of the United States on February 10, 1915, that such acts were "an indefensible violation of neutral rights," and that our Government "would take any steps it might be necessary to take, to safeguard American lives, and to secure to American citizens full enjoyment of their acknowl- edged rights on the high seas."
3. In spite of this protest and warning, more than once repeated, such unlawful killing of Americans continued at intervals during two years.
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THE WORLD WAR
4. In addition to the submarine attacks, the German Government, through its diplomatic representatives and other agents, carried on throughout 1915 and 1916 a secret campaign against our domestic security and order, by fomenting strikes, hiring criminals to destroy munition plants and other property, subsidizing a propaganda of disloyalty among citizens of German birth, placing spies in our offices of government, and organizing upon American soil unlawful conspiracies and military expedi- tions against countries with which we were at peace.
5. On January 31, 1917, the German Government proclaimed that it would destroy without warning, and without safeguarding the lives of passengers and seamen, ships of any nationality (regardless of the char- acter of their cargoes and their destinations) which might be found by German submarines in certain vast areas of the high seas.
6. This renewed and enlarged threat, and defiance of the warnings of our Government, was speedily carried out, several American ships, some of them bound for American ports, being destroyed, with loss of American lives, during February and March, 1917.
7. These acts constituted acts of war by Germany against the United States, and were formally recognized as such by the two houses of Con- gress on April 4th and 6th, 1917. We are at war, then, because Germany made war upon us. We had no alternative, except abject submission to lawless coercion.
National Security League's Handbook.
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CHAPTER III
MAINE ENTERS THE WAR
It will always be a matter of pride among the people of Maine that while the Congress of the United States declared war on April 6, on Feb- ruary 6, 1917, Governor Milliken of Maine, by order of the Legislature then in session, sent the following message and resolve to President Wilson :
Augusta, Maine, February 6, 1917.
Woodrow Wilson,
President of the United States, White House, Washington, D. C.
Dear Mr. President :-
With keen personal satisfaction, I herewith transmit by order of the Maine Legislature a copy of the resolution unanimously adopted immedi- ately at the opening of the first session subsequent to your action severing . diplomatic relations with Germany. This unanimous expression of the Legislature reflects accurately the unswerving and loyal support which you may count upon from our entire state.
Very respectfully your obedient servant,
Carl E. Milliken, Governor.
"Resolved that the State of Maine, by its Legislature, send to Woodrow Wilson, President of the United States, an expres- sion of its sincere and hearty approval of his recent act in sever- ing diplomatic relations with Germany; and in this crisis and all the difficulties which may follow in consequence thereof, it pledges its unswerving allegiance to the administration at Wash- ington, and, as a token thereof, it offers the support of its moral and material resources, in whatever way they may be deemed best calculated to serve.
"Be it further resolved, that a copy of this resolution be sent to the President of the United States by the Governor of the State of Maine by telegram."
February 6, 1917.
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MAINE ENTERS THE WAR
The Governor and the Legislature Weeks before the eventful day of April sixth, Governor Milliken, personally, and through his Adjutant General, had all possible information and material available for instant use. The legislature, which was in regular session from January third to April seventh, 1917, in addition to passing reso- lutions supporting the President, advocating universal military training and deploring labor strikes, enacted laws providing for the registration of aliens, appointment of special deputy sheriffs, support of dependent families of soldiers and sailors, supplementing pay of soldiers and sailors, organization of a Maine Home Guard, increasing authority of the Execu- tive, regulation of keeping and sale of explosives, enrollment of citizens of military age, taking of land for military purposes, continuance of suits in court in which persons in military service were either plaintiff or defend- ant, and, two hours after the opening of the legislative session on the morning following the President's war message, passed a million dollar appropriation bill for war purposes.
Committee on Public Safety To coordinate and centralize the patriotic impulses of the nation and to provide for their organized and intelligent development, President Wilson appointed a National Council of Defense. To carry out the plans of the National Council and to take care of any local problems that might arise, each governor was asked to appoint a State Council of Defense, to be made up of representative men from the chief industries and professions of the state. As soon as the state councils had organized, each county in every state was asked to organize a County Council of Defense. On March 22, 1917, more than two weeks in advance of the request for such an organization, Governor Milliken appointed a Committee of One Hundred on Public Safety. Maine was the second state in the Union to take this action, Massachusetts being the first. Later the sixteen counties organized committees of public safety, the chairman of each organization being the first member of the Com- mittee of One Hundred from each county. The response to the Governor's summons was prompt, full and patriotic. On March 31, all members named who were within the limits of the state, and not detained by sick- ness or imperative necessity, met in Portland, to the number of ninety- five. In calling the committee to order the Chairman pointed out the limitations under which it was to act; that it had no legal status; that it was to supplement, and not in any way to displace, existing authority ; that its duties were necessarily undefined, and it was generally to do what by common consent should be agreed on to be done, in the emergency which confronted the state.
After being addressed by the Governor and by the Vice-Chairman of the Massachusetts Committee on Public Safety, the following communica- tion was ordered to be sent to the President of the United States :
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THE MAINE BOOK
"The Committee on Public Safety of Maine, appointed by the Governor, and representing every section of the state, meet- ing for the first time in Portland, desires to assure you of the loyal support of the State of Maine in every effort made to defend the honor and safety of our country. We believe that the hour has come when the United States must unsheathe the sword and strike for the right. As free men dwelling by the sea, we hold that American ships are American soil, and that Ameri- can sailors have the same right to the protection of the govern- ment as have citizens in any portion of our land. We believe that the sentiment of this country will no longer allow to con- tinue a situation under which other nations are defending our coasts and fighting our battles. If we are to have the influence that we all hope for when the war is over, we must bear a part of the burden now. To these ends, as citizens of Maine, sharing the glorious traditions of New England and of the country at large, in the words of our forefathers, 'we pledge our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor.' "
Purposes of Committee on Public Safety
Each Council of Defense or Committee on Public Safety, whether national, state or county, had these aims and pur- poses in view :
To keep the fires of patriotism burning pure and undefiled. To strengthen and uphold the morale of the civilian forces of our land. To agitate unceasingly the need of united effort. at home as well as "over there."
To discourage and stamp out unjust criticism, gossip and other enemy propaganda.
To spread broadcast the "lend-a-hand" gospel.
To further the activities of the Red Cross and all other authorized agencies working for the good of our cause.
To encourage increased production of food and fuel supplies and the elimination of waste.
To care for the dependents of soldiers and sailors.
To secure proper living and working conditions for the ranks of labor.
To allow no person voluntarily living in this country to place another country first in his allegiance.
To preach the religion of service.
To keep the faith of our fathers.
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MAINE ENTERS THE WAR
MAINE STATE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY Harold M. Sewall, General Chairman Halbert P. Gardner, Executive Secretary
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Harold M. Sewall, Bath John E. Bunker, Bar Harbor
William T. Cobb, Rockland
Rex W. Dodge, Portland Halbert P. Gardner, Portland Ernest M. Goodall, Sanford Charles F. Johnson, Waterville
ASSOCIATE MEMBERS
Royce D. Purinton, Lewiston Walter H. Sawyer, Auburn John S. P. H. Wilson, Auburn Charles O. Beale, Auburn Frederick A. Powers, Houlton A. W. Spaulding, Caribou Patrick H. Therriault, Lille Herbert W. Trafton, Fort Fairfield Robert Braun, Portland Silas B. Adams, Portland James F. Albion, Portland Arthur S. Bosworth, Portland Bernard A. Bove, Portland Philip Dana, Westbrook Charles L. Donahue, Portland Elmer A. Doten, Portland Fred E. Eastman, Portland Henry P. Frank, Portland D. W. Hoegg, Jr., Portland T. H. Houlihan, Portland Adam P. Leighton, Jr., Portland Alexander T. Laughlin, Portland Morris McDonald, Portland J. Bennett Pike, Bridgton George P. Plaisted, Gorham Samuel Rosenberg, Portland Frank D. True, Portland Charles E. West, South Portland Guy L. Cronkite, Portland Elmer E. Richards, Farmington John R. Bass, Wilton Bion Wing, Phillips Luere B. Deasy, Bar Harbor Andrew P. Havey, West Sullivan C. K. Foster, Sargentville Charles Mccluskey, Castine Fred A. Torrey, Stonington Charles F. Johnson, Waterville R. P. Hazzard, Gardiner Reuel J. Noyes, Augusta George F. Parmenter, Waterville W. J. Thompson, South China Blaine S. Viles, Augusta Nat. H. Barrows, Waterville Tyler M. Coombs, Vinalhaven Obadiah Gardner. Rockland Reuel Robinson, Camden
B. C. Redonnett, Wiscasset Phineas H. Gay, Newcastle G. A. Gregory, Boothbay Harbor K. Montgomery, East Boothbay Albert J. Stearns, Norway Theodore Hawley, Rumford Leslie E. McIntyre, East Waterford
Alton C. Wheeler, South Paris F. H. Parkhurst, Bangor Nathan C. Bucknam, Dexter Charles P. Connors, Bangor Charles J. Dunn, Orono Hugh Gallagher, Bangor Edward M. Graham, Bangor George W. Stearns, Millinocket F. H. Strickland, Bangor Frank E. Guernsey, Dover John Houston, Guilford H. A. Sanders, Jr., Greenville Edward W. Hyde, Bath Arthur K. Purinton, Bath Fred H. Thompson, Bath M. P. Haraden, Bath Carleton P. Merrill, Skowhegan Samuel W. Gould, Skowhegan Stanley R. Oldham, Pittsfield Walter P. Ordway, Skowhegan Orlando E. Frost, Belfast B. F. Colcord, Searsport Harry Kilgore, Belfast E. L. Sprague, Islesboro John R. Trimble, Calais H. H. Gray, Milbridge S. W. Hill, Machias Harold H. Murchie, Calais Bion M. Pike, Lubec John R. Roche, Eastport Rufus B. Stevens. Jonesport
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Ernest M. Goodall, Sanford Cecil F. Clark, Hollis Center John Dennett, York Edward M. Dearing, Biddeford Horace Mitchell, Kittery Elmer E. Page, Saco Lamont A. Stevens, Wells
Frank Parsons, Kennebunk George G. Emery, Sanford
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THE MAINE BOOK
GOVERNOR MILLIKEN'S WAR PROCLAMATION April 7, 1917
Gentlemen of the Legislature:
Since you first assembled three months ago world events have moved swiftly to a fateful climax. I have summoned you in joint convention at the very opening of your session this morning because the moment has come for the State of Maine, acting through her chosen representa- tives, to begin playing her proper part in world affairs.
For more than thirty months Americans have watched with growing horror and amazement the appalling world catastrophe across the sea. We are a peaceful people committed by ancient tradition to a policy of aloof- ness from European alliances. This policy we have struggled to main- tain. Through all these weary months we have taken no part except that of messenger of succor and relief to the distressed.
But continued isolation from the struggle has become increasingly impossible. Neither the broad expanse of the Atlantic, nor the faith of treaties, nor the instincts common to humanity, have sufficed to protect our peaceful and law abiding citizens from the assassin. With unbeliev- able patience and self-restraint we have seen our flag insulted, our rights insolently invaded, our citizens, even women and children, foully murdered upon the high seas. Our self-respect and honor as a nation forbid further endurance of these intolerable aggressions.
But we are to enter the war at last not only because of the threat against the integrity of our own nation and this hemisphere for which we have some measure of responsibility. This is to be no mere defensive war on our part. We are to strike and strike with all the energy and power at our command, because we are at last convinced that the very fate of civilization is at stake.
A ruthless military frenzy is running amuck in the world, armed, not with the bludgeon and spear suited to such a survival of savagery, but with the most frightful engines of destruction that modern science can devise. Our warfare is not against the German people, but against the brutal despotism which assumes to govern them ;- a belated survival of mankind's age-old enemy, the cruel and arrogant spirit of autocracy, which soon, please God, is utterly to vanish from the earth.
More is concerned in this titanic struggle than the honor or the life of any nation. It has become a world conflict for that freedom of self- governing democracies of which our flag is the supreme token among mankind. The Allies are fighting for civilization against despotism. With the battle finally joined upon this issue our flag would droop in the breeze if withheld ingloriously from the conflict.
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MAINE ENTERS THE WAR
Last night before a joint convention of Congress, the President asked that a state of war be declared to exist and that our government at once enter upon the conflict upon the side of the Allies with all the energy and power at our command. You have read his calm and patriotic utter- ance.
Congress will meet again this noon to put into full effect his recom- mendations. Before that time, let us, by appropriate action, assure the President and Congress of our full and loyal support in this solemn hour of national crisis. No words need be added to his noble statement of the case. The eloquence of deeds can best be ours.
I urge that you provide immediate authority for the issuance of bonds to the amount of one million dollars and give the Governor and Council full authority to spend such portion of this amount as may be necessary for military purposes.
You will also enact such defense measures as may seem to you fitting, giving the constituted authorities powers appropriate for them to use in time of war.
You should also make suitable provision for adequate care of the families and dependents of soldiers. This can best be done in my judg- ment by granting some discretion to the Governor and Council without attempting to make a fixed rule applicable to all cases.
So much of our duty we may now foresee. Whatever more our country asks of us will be given with cheerful and unswerving loyalty. You will remain in session for the next few days, even into next week if necessary, in order to be ready to take instant action upon matters within the juris- diction of the state as fast as events shall point the way.
Our little state has a role in the coming conflict far out of proportion to her size. Our rocky shores look out upon the broad Atlantic, once the highway of peaceful commerce, now the possible path of the ruthless invader. When to-day the leaders of our nation meet in solemn confer- ence, let it be known that Maine is true to her glorious traditions of other days,-that now, as always in the past, her sons are willing to offer freely the last full measure of devotion when their country calls.
War Funds
The record of Maine's contributions to the sinews of war reads as follows: American Red Cross, $1,892,328.78; Lib-
erty Loans, $104,094,150; Young Men's Christian Associa- tion, $332,994.67; Young Women's Christian Association, $58,381.08; Knights of Columbus, $59,288.76; Salvation Army, $19,982.74; War Libra- ries, $3,421.29; War Savings and Thrift Stamps, $8,362,585.92; United War Work, $1.163,238.
Junior Volunteers Eager to share in the battle for the world's freedom seven hundred boys from sixteen to twenty-one enlisted in the United States Boys Working Reserve. Uniformed, disci- plined and exercised just as soldiers are, they were sent out early in the
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THE MAINE BOOK
summer under competent leaders to the neighborhood of the farms that needed them. The boys made good. Only six of them went home, four under discipline, and two at the urgent request of their parents. The farmers were so well pleased with the spirit of the boys and the work done by them that additional wages were gladly paid to those who showed unusual capacity and energy. No complaint from the boys was registered at headquarters. On the contrary they were proud of their work and glad to be doing it for Uncle Sam.
Food Con- Under the direction of the Agricultural Extension Service servation of the University of Maine, cooperating with the State De- partment of Education, practically every nook and corner of the state was visited during the summer of 1917 in the interests of the conservation movement. Demonstrations were given of the best methods in canning and preserving. The housekeepers of the state responded gladly to the call for signers to the food pledge card and 145,000 of them were enrolled as members of the United States Food Conservation Army.
The Food Administration early in its history called upon the libra- ries of the country for help in its publicity work and Maine libraries responded generously by devoting much time and space to the display and distribution of the Administration publications.
Enlistments The record of Maine's contribution in men reads as follows :
and Drafts Regular Army, 2369; Reserve Corps and National Army,
1129; National Guard, 4289; Draft induction, 16,465; Regu- lar Navy, 2331 males and 13 females; Naval Reserve Force, 2823 males and 72 females; Marine Corps, 24; Young Men's Christian Association, 166 males and 33 females; Young Women's Christian Association, 14; Knights of Columbus, 11; Red Cross and Army Nurses, 118.
CHAPTER IV
BRIEF CHRONOLOGY OF THE WORLD WAR
1914
June 28-Austrian Archduke slain at Sarajevo.
July 5-Potsdam council decides for war.
July 10-Propagandists leave for America.
July 29-Austria attacks Serbia.
Aug. 3-Germans invade Belgium.
Aug. 6-City of Liege falls.
Aug. 25-Louvain destroyed.
Aug. 28-British naval victory off Heligoland.
Sept. 6-French stop Germans at Marne.
Oct. 10-Antwerp falls.
Nov. 7-Japanese take Kiao Chau.
Dec. 9-British win Falklands battle.
Dec. 14-Serbians recapture Belgrade.
1915
Jan. 24-British win Dogger bank battle.
Feb. 12-Russian disaster at Mausurian lakes.
Mar. 4-British land at Gallipoli.
Mar. 10-Battle of Neuve Chapelle.
Mar. 22-Russians take Przemysl.
April 23-Germans first use poison gas.
May 7-Lusitania torpedoed; 1,134 lost. May 24-Italy enters war.
June 3-Germans recapture Przemysl.
July 13-Germans repulsed in Argonne.
Aug. 4-Germans take Warsaw.
Sept. 9-First air raid on London. Sept. 25-30-Battle of Champagne.
Oct. 10-Conquest of Serbia begins. Oct. 12-Edith Cavell executed. Oct. 13-Bulgaria enters war.
Dec. 1-British retreat from Bagdad.
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THE MAINE BOOK
1916
Jan. 9-British evacuate Gallipoli.
Feb. 22-German drive for Verdun begins.
Mar. 24-Steamer Sussex torpedoed.
April 29-Turks take 15,000 British.
May 31-British win Jutland battle.
July 1-Allies begin Somme offensive.
Aug. 9-Italians cross Isonzo.
Aug. 27-Roumania enters war.
Sept. 3-Germans and Bulgars invade Roumania.
Sept. 14-British first use "tanks."
Oct. 8-U boats raid off Nantucket.
Oct. 24-French stop Verdun drive.
Nov. 13-British renew Somme offensive.
Dec. 6-Germans take Bukharest.
Dec. 7-Lloyd George becomes premier and
Dec. 19-Rejects German "negotiated peace."
1917
Jan. 31-Germany announces "unrestricted submarine war." Feb. 3-United States expels German ambassador.
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