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Show GERARD SHOCKED ON RETURN HOME Unpreparedness of United States Is to Him a Source of Alarm. NEW YORK, March 15 If war comes with Germany, James W. Gerard, Ger-ard, former ambassador to that country, coun-try, would be willing to lead a regiment regi-ment of German-Americans, he said upon his arrival here today from Ber-i Ber-i lin. A citizens' committee greeted the returning diplomat and the city ga,ve him a noisy welcome. "We are on the brink of war with Germany and I believe those of Ger-i Ger-i man descent In this country will remain re-main .loyal." Mr. Gerard said in his public address at the city hall. Mr. Gerard said that he left Berlin Ber-lin with a clear conscience, feeling that during all his stay there he had omitted nothing lhat would further friendly relations and peace between this country and Germany. "I want to assure you," he added, "that If we are drawn into the conflict, con-flict, it will be only after our presi-dent presi-dent has exhausted every' means con-Blfitent con-Blfitent with upholding honor and dignity dig-nity of the United States to keep U3 from war." The former ambassador emphasized the necessity for military and naval preparation on the part of the United States. "When I came back to this country," he said, "it was a positive' shock to me to find that in the two years In which the world has bepn on! fire we have dono nothing to prepare for even a reasonable means of na-1 tinnal defense. There is only one thing universal military service training. train-ing. That nation stands opposite to us today has probablv not less than 12.000.000 under arms. I have eeen the Germans take prisoner In one aft-1 ernoon more m..-n than there are in the United States army." |
