7 SEPTEMBER 1918, Page 10

THE SERGEANT'S PEACE TERMS. [TO THE EDITOR Or THE "

SPECTATOR.") Sta,—I think those who agree with your articles on "Preparations for Peace " will be interested to read the following poem, which appeared in an American paper (The North American, Phila-

delphia) on June 12th, 1918.-1 am, Sir, &c., X.

" ' If they ask me for my terms of peace,' said Sergeant Red McPhee, As we sat discussing the war we're in, 'If ever they come to me For a word of counsel and good advice, I'll tell them right there and then That the time to quit is the day the Hun can never make war again.

I've tasted the smoke and the dirt of war, I've looked at the havoc here, I've followed the trail of the brutal beast and know how ho rules by fear.

Back home there are two little lads of mine, and a bright-eyed smiling miss, Azd twenty years, if the Hun's not tamed, will bring them to scenes like this.

So it isn't a question of land or sea, it's a question of right and wrong.

It's a job of driving the Prussian brutes clear out of the lands of song, And a patched-up pence with his kind won't do. We must teach them the ways of men, And tame them, body and soul, so they shall never make war again.

I'm tired,' said Sergeant Red McPhee, ` and I'd like to go home to rest, The days of war are dreadful days, and the years of peace are best.

But I wouldn't stop now for a .selfish peace, for as soon as his wounds are healed, If the Hun's untamed and his lust's uncurbed be will take to the battlefield.' EDGAR A. GUEST."