To the Last Man - Jeff Shaara [299]
“General, he’s lying to the American people. What you call rambunctious can also be called zealotry. He’s inflammatory. Without his rabble-rousing, it’s doubtful Congress could have passed the Sedition Act. Forgive my saying so, sir, but it’s nearly impossible for us to know what the mood is like back home. With all respect, sir, you and I are pretty much in control of what happens around us. But the American people are finding out they’re being controlled the same way. Hell, I admit it. I’m guilty of some of that stuff too. One time I smacked some loudmouthed idiot pacifist right in the mouth. But now with this Sedition Act, anyone who objects to the war, or to the president . . . hell, anybody who criticizes what you’re doing over here can be put in jail for it. Most of the high brass I’ve talked to thinks that’s a good idea, clamp all those whining mouths shut. I thought it was a good idea too, until I began to read about what’s going on as a result. Hell, not just jail. People are getting beat up, killed because they said something that some of Creel’s self-appointed deputies thought was anti-American. I’m all for propaganda, when it serves the public good. I understand morale and patriotism. But hell, General, from what I’m hearing, it’s gone way too far. I’m not sure Congress had its head on straight this time.”
Pershing stared at Mitchell, had not been prepared for anything like this. “I would hope that you are exaggerating the problem, Colonel. I cannot dispute what you say. Given the events of the past few weeks, I have not paid much attention to newspaper stories from back home. George Creel is a good friend of the president. I cannot imagine that President Wilson would advocate what you’re describing.”
“Forgive my lack of respect, sir, but I’ve never been too sure just what President Wilson is thinking. It just seems to me that the government is resorting to extreme measures to convince the American people that there is a good reason for so many casualties.”
“But there is, Bill. Eventually, the truth of what is happening here will be made known to the entire world. That is no small concern, not even in the States. You’re right on one count. You and I will never understand how civilians see this war. We are simply too close to it. The casualty counts are horrific, even in the best of circumstances. Over the past two months, our forces were enormously successful in their efforts, and yet if the newspapers only gave the people the casualty count, it would be difficult for civilians to understand how any battle could be called a success. It is a challenge I have faced since I have been in this command, so many inquiries from congressmen, who simply mimic the doubts expressed by the people in their districts. Why is this war lasting so long? Why have we not swept the enemy aside? Why are so many men dying? We are asking the American people to offer a great deal of sacrifice. We require women to work factories, we require fathers to leave their children, young men to leave school. People react to those things that affect their own lives. To so many, this war is not much more than an inconvenience, while to others, it’s a personal tragedy. They must be inspired, and, regrettably, the death of their young men is not inspiring to anyone.” He paused, thought a moment. “From the moment I arrived here, I have been bombarded with doubt from our allies, whether or not America is truly as committed to this war as the president has claimed. You and I understand the depth of that commitment. Secretary Baker does as well. But our influence reaches only so far. If the American people are not committed, they will not accept sacrifice. Not everyone understands why it is so important to destroy the enemy, and why it costs so much to do so. It is far too easy to emphasize the casualties without considering the gains. That’s why we need Creel. His people can go to moving-picture theaters and dance halls and town meetings, and rally the audiences. He can inspire men to enlist; he can sell war bonds. If he uses a bit too much bluster