The San Francisco call., 1897-03-14
ARE WE PREPARED FOR WAR?

We have now respectable navy, rank
ing fifth in the world, and, thanks to an
enlightened public opinion backed by lib
eral appropriations. we have made a good
begin ming on a comprehensive system of
coast defense by guns and boats. So far
so good. but there still remains many
i'm portant questions to be decided and many
other things TO be done bofore We can say we
are fairly prepared for war. What provision
has been made for organizing and even prac-
tically training force adequate to enable US
to carry on war of any considera BILE magni-
tude? Common honesty compels us to admit
what is apparent to other nations that, how
ever great our ultimate resources in men and
material may be, we are not in a condition to
make them available for war purposes in any
reasonable time-iu q word are in the con-
dition of Austria in 1866, of France in 1870
and of Chin in 1894. II is needless to more
than refer to the results Of lack of prepara-
tion in the cases cited.
In fact lack OF preparation for war may be
said to be a chronic state with us. OF military
policy, properly speaking, we have none, un-
less repugnance to standing armies and q
blind belief in the strength of the millions Of
strong arms" can be dignifed by such an ap-
pellation. We are, however, always ready 10
60 to war in defense of our honor or rights,
and when that time comes but little thought
will be taken OF whether we are prepared or
not. The outburst of military ardor which
overspread the country at the time of Presi-
dent Clevelands message on the Venezuelan
question sufficiently proves this. Unwilling
to admit the possibility of war and neglecting
the plainest precautions for such y coniin-
gency. still when war is upon US we sacrifice
life aud money with reckless prodigality, and
mortgage the future to pay pensions
One of our best-informed military authori-
ties estimates that the lack of warlike prepa-
rgt1ons before our Civil War cost the United
States $4,000 900. Blinded by our final
triumph and rejoicing in reunited country,
we have been slow TO appreciate and apply the
lessons to be derived rom those terrible four
years. True, the Civil War was an exceptional
case. Then both sides were equally unpre-
pared. But how will 1t fare with US now If we
are suddenly confronted by d modern we'll
equipped and we'll organized army? II the
history If modern warfare teaches one thing
more than another it is that mere numbers
and resources will avail little against a we'll
prepared adversary. The short duration Of
wars nowadays demonstrates that science and
intelligent preparation play much more i'm
por Iant part than personal bravery.
MOI counting Indian wars or domestic dis
turbances thirty years have been the longest
period of peace we have enjoyed. During the
century ending with 1875 one-sixth of our
time mas been devoted TO war. We must then
look forward TO war as possible If not prob
able, contingency, aud considered rea-
sonable degree OF preparation should be con-
sidered as in the nature OF an insurance. In
deed it is better than insurance, for IL may
actually prevent the losses feared.
AS we are peace-loving nation we should
be so pre- spared that on occasion we can COM
mand peace effectually II all signs are not
nmiss We are now entering upon an important
period OF our career, aud the future is big
with possibilities. A simple enumeration Of
some important questions still unse tiled, such
as Hawaii, the Nicaragua canal and Cuban
independence, shows that IL we are to d II the
important place in the western hemisphere
and the word to which we are clearly en-
titled we must not shirk our responsibilities.
Otherwise we shall fail of our nigh destiny,
while our pre- tensions, combined with lack OF
action, would make us the laughiDg-stock of
the world.
The Broad Arrow of London. at the time OF
the Venezuela incident said pointedly of the
United States:
ITO live as she now does, free fiom any great
cost for armaments, she must behave as she
has hitherto done. and keep herself to herself.
She is numerous and fairly wealthy Nation,
but she is a great Nation-in the Sc .se of
power in the world-oniy by suff france"
So much for what other nations think of us
and what we may expect when commercial or
other interests clash.
"The nation which can the longer endure q
state of war has a great advantage" and
herein lies our military strength. No country
is as self-contained as ours, and we could live
in fair comfort for years even If every port
were blockaded. We need not fear subjuga-
tion. but we must not be ontent mel rely to
stand on the defe isive. To gain any decided
advantage over the enemy we must also be pre-
pared to take the offensive and make the
enemy feel the war.
What, then, in view of the forces likely to
be sent against US, would constitute reason.
able preparation for war? 1t is evident that
we are subject to naval or com bined naval
and land attack. To meet the naval attack
the navy and artillery must cooperate. The
navy must seek out and defeat the enemy ON
the high seas If poss ible. If not, the fortifca-