New York, U.S.A.



TO
LORD NORTHCLIFFE
IN GRATEFUL APPRECIATION





_FOREWORD_


For nearly three years Europe has been drenched with blood and rent with
bitter strife. Millions of men have been killed or maimed: billions of
dollars in property have gone up in smoke and ruin--all part of the
mighty sacrifice laid on the Altar of the Great War.

This tragic tumult must inevitably subside. The smoke of battle will
clear: the scarred fields will mantle again with springtime verdure: the
fighting hosts will once more find their way to peaceful pursuit. Time
the Healer will wipe out the wounds of war.

The world already wearies of the Crimson Canvas splashed with martial
scene. Heroism has become the most commonplace of qualities: it takes a
monster thrill to move a civilisation sick of destruction. With eager
eye it looks forward to the era of regeneration. War ends some time.