The Morris County chronicle. [volume] (Morristown, N.J.) 1877-1915, 1898-03-11
pITNEY ON APPROPRIATION.

Representative Pitney made one of the
best and most effective speeches in the
House in advocacy of the $50, 100000 APP
preparation for national defense. We
quote from the Congressional Record.
with the unanimous sentiment which
shows itself on both sides of this Cham
Der. 1t is manifest that not one moments fur
Their debate is necessary to secure the prompt
adoption of this measure without dissenting
voice. And yet, sir, a decent regard for order
ly procedure and for the opinions of our own
citizens and of civilized mankind renders 1t
proper that something should be said by way
of statement of the reasons which impel this
action.
81 agree. Mr. Speaker, that this is not meas
ure of war, but is a measure of peace, designed
to secure peace by means of prompt and wise
and thorough preparation for the national de-
Tense. If it were consistent with the peaceful
policies of this country to maintain at all
times a heavy armament. it is manifest that
we should not be under the shadow of the dan
ger of war to day. There is nothing within
our own borders to lead toward war, but we
cannot control conditions on the outside.
"And the one thing necessary, sir, as think,
in order to compel peace at the present time,
is to have it known, not only throughout this
land but throughout the civilized world, that
IL,
part toward the securing of a just and honor
able peace. war should be thrust upon US, the
American people will make all necessary pre-
parations to do that which must needs be done
to secure the safety and the honor of our own
country. [Applause.l
''Irepresent, sir, a conservative constituency;
people who do not yield to any in patriotism
or in intelligence. but who know that war is a
dreadful disaster, never to be sought and to be
undertaken only in the last extremity. | feel
that properly represent them in giving my
assent to this measure, both in committee and
upon the floor of the House. But in larger
sense we are here, Mr.. Speaker, representing
not constituencies, but representing one great
constituency. We represent the whole people
of the Union in this matter. We hope that our
action atthe present time will be a lesson for
all time to come.
"We have now the lesson which comes from
observing a great President, representing a
great people. patient under great trial, not
provoking enmity or attack from any man or
from any nation, but seeking only to know
the truth about matter of great difficulty,
holding himself in check and holding the hot
heads among his own people in check, desir-
ing not to act until the necessity comes for &C
ton. If the necessity comes. we shall have
an object lesson in this nation for the civilized
world. think, sir, that the preparations the
American people will be able to make, the eff
forts they will put forth in limited time 10
this great emery ency, will be an object lesson
to the world, and will conduce to peace. not
only in this emergency, but to a lasting peace
for future gen erations.
I'm this view, sir, we support this bill In
this view it will be made a law. In this view
it will be executed. if its execution is deemed
by the Executive to be necessary. We hope
that there will be no conflict. We desire
peace with honor, but we may lay solemn
emphasis upon the word honor, Honor comes
first 1t is most important; it is the end ever
to be held in view" Applause