New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1895-12-21
THE EVILS or WAR TALK.

The present outburst Of war talk is not I'M
natural TO some extent 1t is excusabe, If not
cOmmendable II is n taking up OF the chal-
lenge which Great Britain first flung down.
II Is the ready answer Of a strong, proud
people to the latest Of series Of affronts,
offered by an aggressive foreign Power. II
IS notice TO the world that the American
people are united and are ready TO 90 to any
necessary extreme in maintaining the tradi
tional policy of their Government and'in protect
ing the vital interests Of their country against
all corners. however formidable The sober
sense of the American people the same sound
sense that rallies them to the support of the
President on the general issues Of the dispute
with Great Britain, will show them. however
that any prolonged war excitement at this time
would be productive Of far more harm than good
War talk in advance of actual danger Of war,
is Improbable. 1t uns"ttes business and de-
presses trade 1t diverts mems minds from use
ful channels and units them for the best work
of life Whatever preparations for any possible
war may now be necessary or desirable may
well be left TO the public servants who are
charged with such matters. National defence Is
a good thing. Our coasts and harbors should be
well fortified. Our Navy should be large and
powerful enough TO hold the sea against any
hostile fleet. These are objects which the Gov
eminent may properly seek to attain at the
earliest practicable moment, and which may
properly be left entirely to the Government. II
will not help the Government nor expedite the
work one whit for the general public to go battle
mad and to neglect and injure business by dis
cussng harebrained schemes for the conquest
Of Canada and the destruction Of British com
merce.
War talk is also particularly nexpedient at this
iuncture because ii Is sure TO make the settle
merit Of the case more difficult. Grave as is the
dispute between the United States and the
Mother Country, II is one to be settled peaceably,
by diplomacy and Jurisprudence That is the con-
viction OF every rational man on either side OF
the sea The duty Of diplomat is to make the
settlement Of quarrels easier not harder, and it
is the duty Of citizens to contribute their share OF
influence toward that end. That is not the best
type Of loyalty or Of patriotism which would
embarrass its Ministers by talking Of war when
they are working for peace. If We really want
to uphold the rights and honor Of the United
States. and 10 10 50 by peaceful means-and who
is there who does ot?-we shall do so far more
effectually by talking Of peace. even though we
were preparing for war; and by leaving war talk
out OF the controversy until the utmost efforts
Of peaceful diplomacy have proven vain. II
war shall come at last, shall be none the
less prepared 10 meet 1t for having striven TO the
best Of our ability TO keep the peace.
There are times in the history OF nations when
war must be resorted TO as the sole though dread.
full alternative TO something worse; as the sur
geons knife Is preferable TO the gangrened limb
Such was the cas-, in our own Revolution. The
fiery oratory Of Adams and Henry set the land
afame with martial ardor. But that was only
after those same speakers Lad made every pos
slble plea for peace. In every sentence Of their
war speeches they mlde it clear that every