The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1895-12-31
TOO SMART TO SUICIDE
Experts Opinion as to Engiand's Desire to
Fight.

Fight.
Washington. D. C, Dec. 30.-Oficials
Of the war and navy department con-
have accomplished more toward i'm
pressing upon congress and the country
the evil results OF a niggardly policy in
regard 10 defenses on shore and sea
than all the appeals OF each house IN ten
years. II becomes apparent that the
country would be practically at the
mercy q a stronger force for al least
a year. and perhaps longer. before the
resources at hand would yield a de-
Tense sufficient 10 eventually defeat an
enemy.
The unanimity with which all sorts
OF bills have been presented in congress
by members OF both parties for an in
crease of the naval establishment. an
enlargement Of the starding army. pro-
visions for powerful coast defenses, the
purchase OF millions OF small arms and
large ordinance for the naval forces
and state guards are accepted as PROOF
OF a determination 10 make more lib
eral appropriation for the services this
winter than in any similar period since
the war.
1t has become evident to the leading
men on both sides OF the senate cham
Der that heed must be given 20 the rec
concentrations Of the secretaries OF war
and navy, and that there has already
been delay in establishing safeguards
around the country which can no longer
be overlooked or delayed. There seems
10 be no difference OF opinion with ref
erence TO which branch OF the service
requires more immediate attention. but
that each is equally deficient.
General Mills statement that fortifi-
cations cannot alone be depended on for
protection. but that a strong feet Of
war ships is essential TO cooperate with
the army, is received with most favor
able consideration by western members
and senator's, who heretofore have been
rather inimical 10 the navy on the
ground mainly that the history OF the
country showed that the government
was competent TO construct large feeis
in a short time. II emergency demanded.
General Mills and the heads of staff
OF the army have compiled some valua-
BILE data for Secretary Lamont. and II
the standing army is not to be enlarged
the national guard system will require
closer observation and more liberal pro-
vision from the government. The state
troops are found to be on the whole
poorly uniformed and equipped. and
with such a lack OF uniformity OF arms
as to make il practically impossible
for them 10 be supplied with ammunition
in the event OF war.
The national guard Of the country Is
said on the whole TO have been found
energetic and industrious but except IN
few states. such as New York, Pennsyl-
vania, Illinois and Ohio. the condition
Is wretched and the organization not
on a sound military basis.
Professor Rudolph Cronau, the dis
tinguished German geographer and his
torian, is in Washington as the Ameri-
can representative OF the Cologne Ca
zette. In answer 20 the question: IN
case war should result between Eng
land and the United States, would Ger
many or any European power support
England?" ne said. Most certainly not.
There Is a difference between a feeling
Of sympathy and furnishing soldiers 20
fight England's battles in this partcu-
lar case. As soon as Germany IS aware
that England was guilty OF foul play
with Venezuela, I trust the German
love OF Justice to bring national sympa-
thy wholly on the side OF Venezuela
Russia would be only too glad 10 see
England In trouble. England's soldiers
are not such heroes as the London News
and Graphic depict them on paper.
England IS strong and aggressive only
against weak nations. Her soldiers are
victorious only against poor bsrbarians
who are not IN possession OF Maxim
and Calling guns. Last year ] Travelled
through Canada, where j visited the
fortress Of Quebec. / was really aston
ished at the dude appearance OF English
soldiers there. balancing a monkey cap
on one side Of the head. ] also wonder
ed at the neglected condition q the
fortress at Quebec. There are lots or
cannon on the citadel and walls % Que
bee. but II some American boys want 20
make some night a good Joke they can
spike all those cannon without beng
disturbed.
a.,rbe United states need not far
England. England knows too Weil the
cost OF such a war England - too
smart TO commit suicide. and therefore
/ do not believe that there VII be war