The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-06-22

dams Ride had been read and sung and
after his experience OF war at home had
been supplemented by his observation of
war abroad. The more / have seen of war,
the more have despised it,
DEWEY QUOTED.
1--WE are told that the brave and gallant
Admiral Dewey, whose recent daring
achievements and successes in war have
added new glories and luster to his coun-
try's name and aroused the enthusiasm of
every American, while waiting in foreign
port for the command that send him to the
scene of his victory, wrote these words to
his sister: But, after ALL war is terrible
thing, and some way out of the dilemma
may be found without resorting to it
while thus suggesting to you the for
bidding traits of war should be guilty of
an attempt to misead if fail to promptly
remind you that there are conditions which
not only Justify war, but make a resort to
it duty. No nation, however peacefully
inclined and whatever the consequences
may be, can determine that it will under
no circumstances engage in war. Bad as
it is and deplorable as it's incidents are, no
government can refuse war at the risk of
lmperiling its existence or Sacrlhclng the
rights and interests it holds in trust for its
people and for humanity and civilization.
OF course we cannot be entirely exempt
from the conditions which may force
nation into war. any more than an lndlVld-
ual can be exempt from the incidents that
may force the most peaceful man to a
personal encounter.
lin view of such an unacceptable liability
to be brought face to face with the question
of war, and in view of wars real nature
and its demoralizing effect upon our ma
tiCnal life and character, we cannot fa1l 10
be most seriously impressed by the renee
ton that we have expressly authorized
those to whom we have intrusted our public
affairs to determine for us the m9mentous
mission of peace or war, and that II the de-
termination be for war, our ready and UNI
questioned acquiescence becomes patriotism
and the support OF our countrys contention
becomes good citizenship.
"In our present preGicament of war we
need have no fear that American courage N
battle will fail to bring us victory, but |
pray you not to forget that, when the clash
of arms is stilled and the courage of the
soldier has done it's work. we shall greatly
need in dealing with problem that Will
confront us a steady and uncompromiSlng
moral courage which, unmoved by clamor
and undisturbed by the excitement of
triumph, will demand the things that true
American citizenship desires to be right and
just and safe.
I'm conclusion, let me assure you who are
soon to meet the responsibilities that attend
the activities of American life that if you
would obtain the highest usefulness of good
citizenship you must not only clearly appre-
bend our national purposes and missions,
but must also cultivate the assertive and
constant moral courage that alone can
make your patriotic intention effective. If
you are tempted to pleasantly drift with the
current of thoughtless popular sentiment,
look carefully to see If the stream runs in a
safe direction. Remember that to descend
is easy BraVely resolve that with heart
within and God overhead you will deter
mine your obligations to your country by
the tests of right and conscience. Thus,
when you are called to service in the ranks
of good citizenship you will be armed and
equipped with a correct Apprehension or
your country's need, with a hearty willing
ness to strive for her safety and with a
moral courage that will never surrender in
her cause.