The Edge of the Quicksands (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1918. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER V THE WILSON WEDGE And now," I asked at length, "why, in your honest opinion, did America come into the war?" I put this question to a group of Hungarian prisoners in early January, 1918, who formed part of the fourteen hundred taken by the French on Monte Tomba a few days before. We were in a great square courtyard in the old Italian city of Oastlefranco. From the grey and white mountain mass to the north came the rolling of the guns, while just outside squads of Italian soldiers were taking bodies from a mass of wreckage that had been a hospital full of wounded the night before, but was now a blood-soaked shambles of the dead. The raiders who flew down from the North had done their work. I determined, however, to show no rancour while among the prisoners. I was making definite investigations with the consent of the French Commandant. This is a war of opinions, and it will never really end until our enemies change some of theirs. That is why, after I had broken the ice with a chat about my visits to their country, I asked the all-important question. They hung back, however, and avoided a direct reply, presumably either because they wished to avoid hurting my feelings or arousing resentment in me. At length, after reassuring them by promising that if they would give me their frank opinion I should with equal frankness give our side of the story if they wished, I again asked--"Why did America declare war?" "For financial reasons, if I may say so," the most audacious replied, hesitatingly and with extreme politeness. I took this pleasantly, and encouraged them to continue. "The financial alliance with England caused America's entrance," a second elaborated to the approving nods of the rest. "But have you not read President Wilson's speeches?" I aske...