Author : Edith Daley
Publisher :
ISBN 13 : 9781331224006
Total Pages : 90 pages
Book Rating : 4.2/5 (24 download)
Book Synopsis War History of Santa Clara County (Classic Reprint) by : Edith Daley
Download or read book War History of Santa Clara County (Classic Reprint) written by Edith Daley and published by . This book was released on 2015-07-12 with total page 90 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Excerpt from War History of Santa Clara County Santa Clara County's part in the world war. Things in the process of making rarely reveal their true significance. We await completion before measuring values. During the hurry and stress of war-time responsibilities when even the average easy-going citizen was called upon to bear unusual burdens, we did not realize that the activities in which we were engaged constituted the making of history. Time mellows experience and the story of yesterday's fighting on the home line will be painted in softer colors by reason of the interval and the perspective we have gained. With the fifth liberty loan, the victory loan campaign, a thing of the past and its files already dusty, the state, the county and the city awaken to the fact that various war activities were illuminated pages in the great world war history. The fighters in the home trenches had their battles and their victories no less than did the sons of Old Glory who followed the light of its stars overseas. The war that had seemed very far away suddenly came near - so near that the cold steel of the enemy touched warm American hearts. Germany had started it. We suddenly knew that it was up to us to finish it - at whatever cost. On April 6, 1917, President Woodrow Wilson signed the resolution of congress declaring the "existence of a state of war" and asking that all the resources of the United States be "directed to prosecute hostilities against the German government to a successful termination." Resources meant not only men but money - money for the maintenance of our own army and navy, and money to loan our allies against the coming of that "successful termination." We were reminded of what Napoleon once said, that the three essentials to the prosecution of successful warfare were money, money and money." Fifty years ago over three billion dollars was raised to provide for the expenses of the civil war. In 1917 the country's wealth was eight times as great and the banking resources 20 times as great. Whatever America had to do she was able to do. There were two ways of raising the amount needed: Germany's method of taxation or the issuance of bonds. Uncle Sam borrowed, giving his interest bearing promissory note to every man, woman and child who offered him their savings or their wealth. Secretary of the Treasury W. G. McAdoo, on April 10 predicted the amount of the bond issue that would be needed. Then we began to talk of buying government bonds as we might have talked of purchasing a commutation ticket previously. Men talked it over. Bonds. A big issue. Not all at once but as funds were needed. When Uncle Sam asked for a "loan" it meant that real war was ahead. People checked up their savings. More and more flags fluttered out everywhere. The sky was ablaze with them. A new tenseness and seriousness pervaded business circles. Then came the never-to-be-forgotten nation-wide observance of Preparedness Day - on April 12, 1917. More than 10,000 loyal citizens led by City Manager Thomas H. Reed, who was responsible for the day's success, marched through the city's streets while the Stars and Stripes waved above them and bands played Dixie and America - and the thrilling Marseillaise. Thousands of hearts swelling and throats tightening queerly when the flag went by! We began to realize that war encompassed us all. That night, at a great mass meeting in the high school auditorium hundreds unanimously pledged hearts and hands to the country's cause. There we renewed our "allegiance to the flag and to the high principles of liberty, humanity and justice which it represents." On May 3, 1917, the announcement was made that the first offering of bonds authorized under the finance law would be $2,000,000,000. "Liberty Loan" issue, open to popular subscription at par; subscriptions to be received until June 15. Bonds to be dated July 1 and ready for delivery then. Bonds were att.
