Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-06-22
GOOD CITIZENSHIP.
GROVER CLEVELAND ON THE
BALEFULNEss OF WAR.
DANGERS IN WAIT FOR Us.
Evil for Our Country Involved In
the Policy of ExpansiOn-Unwisd
of the Acquisition of Distant Ter
ritory.

PRINCETON, n. j., June A.-Grover
Cleveland delivered the annual Founders
Day address at the exercises of the Law
renceville School, held to-day. His sub
ject was Good Citizenship" Mr.. Cleve-
land said in part
"The American people are tempted
every day and every hour to abandon
their accustomed way and enter upon
course OF new and strange adventure.
Never before in our history have we been
beset with temptations so dangerous as
those which now whisper in our ears al
Turing words of conquest and expansion,
and point out to us fields bright with the
glory Of war. once saw a very useful
book entitled Don't II contained
statemen, of numerous things which
should not be done. / am inclined to
adopt the plan of this book TO the extent
OF cautioning you against imperfect ideas
of civic duties and warning you against
certain dangers which threaten the sound
ness and safety Of true American citizen
ship, and which. especially at this partcu
idE lIlnS, SeSlH W Ilc III wait AOI uS OH
every side.
ut is absolutely certain that we are in
need of reinforcements in the ranks of
good citizenship. II is no less certain
that our schools and colleges can in large
measure supply the necessary help Since
patriotism unGerlies good citizenship, you
should avoid misconception OF the mean
ing of this word l believe there is some
times a tendency TO think patriotism is
something bellicose and defiant OF
course, true Patriotism is very different
thing.
LAS an illustration OF our past methods.
ii may occur to you that though this ma
tipn is young, We have within its short
existence, by close adherence to our origi-
nal designs and purposes, astonished TIE
world by our progress and the develop
ment Of our vast possessions. With our
first century's tremendous growth and
advancement before our eyes as proof OF
the strength and efficiency OF consistent
Americanism, you will find IN the begin |
ming Of our second century proof OF the |
abundance of our present domain In mil |
lions of acres OF government territory still |
unoccupied, while hundreds OF government |
ofiicials walt TO bestow IL upon settlers |
You Will also see other large acres of 1
American soil yet untrodden by the feet !
of man, while our gates are still standing /
open TO receive those who shall come from !
other countries to share our homes and |
privileges.
PROPOSED NEW POLICY.
I'm view of these things. and consider |
Ing our achievements in the past and our
promise for the future, recalling what !
we have done and what we have been |
and what yet remains for us TO do. under |
M
which have thus far governed our ma
tionai life. you surely are entitled TO |
demand the best reasons for a change |
In our policy and conduct, and 10 expect /
a conclusive explanation of the conditions /
which make our acquisition OF new and
distant territory either JustihaL.! pru-
dent, or necessary. Perhaps YOU would
be satisfied with the excuse that such !
acquisition is necessary, by way OF war
like preparation or precaution.
This. however will Immediately sug-
gest TO you that we have found herato-
fore constant source Of congratulate on
In the fact that the contemplation o. war
and its contingencies Is not and should |
not be. familiar 10 our ordinary
national life. and that II has also been
our boast that large standing military
and naval establishment, and warlike
are not among the needs
of peace. and whose immunity from
armed conflict is found IN their freedom
from the foreign relationships that give
birth to war; and though IL has been
abundantly demonstrated that the cour-
age and splendid fighting qualities OF
our countrymen viii never fail in time
Of need It Is stil a grave question
whether the cheapening OF our estimate
Or the value OF peace, by dwelling upon
war and warlike corporations Is caIcu-
lated to improve the quality Of our ma
loLal character.
These considerations naturally lead !
me TO counsel you against the danger OF
allowing the bright dress and gay trap
pings which war puts on. to divert your
attention from the ugly features that be-
long 10 II. as seen In the light OF true
such a diversion may arise from rest
ess enthusiasm, which is by no means
inattractive, or from our admiration for
leeds OF valor, which Is national charac-
-eristic, or from the fascination OF
dangerous adventure ever found with
bravery, or from the glow OF successful
battle.
WAR A HATEFUL THING.
1T is difficult to deal with the question
of war at this time. and avoid mIscon-
'eption and Misrepresentation But we
ire considering American citizenship.
and endeavoring 10 find It's best charac-
-eristics. and how they can be most ef-
fectively cultivated and securely pre-
served. From this standpoint war is A
hateful thing. which We should shun and
avoid. as antagonistic to the objects
II our national existence. as threatening
10 our national character.
Ind as obstructive TO our national ,ies-
my. II you believe this. you should
stands bravely for your belief. even
hough shower of stupid calls may M,
he air. II. on account OF this belief. you
IRE called 'milksops' and towards.