The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1900-09-15

GERS for manning its dcicnses. for cmcr-
gcncics, and 10 form the nucleus in case
OF need Tor larger forces, should rely
i'll the main for the defense of its nsti-
tu.lons on its volunteer citizen soldiery.
his VIC have done i'll the past. and This
is IN harmony with the theory OF our in
siHutlons and the views OF the fathers.
Gen. Knox, a Revolutionary soldier,
WHO was the first secretary of war I'M
der Washington, and under whom our
army establishment was organized. used
tEls language in his first report, which
was forwarded to congress by President
Washington with his approval:
1T IS the intention OF the present at
tempt to suggest the most efficient svs-
TEN Ut defense which may be compati-
pic with the interests of a free people.
he modern practice Of Ell
rope with respect to the employment, of
standing army has created such a
mass OF opinion i'll their favor that even
philosophers and advocates for labor
have frequently confessed their use and
interest III certain cases. Whoever Sc
riously and candidly estimates the
power OF discipline and the tendency of
military habits will be constrained 10
confess that whatever may be the eff
cheney OF a standing army in war. it
cannot III peace be considered as friend
" to the rights OF human nature.
a small corps of well disciplined and
well informed artillcrists and engineers
and legion for the protection oi the
frontiers and magazines and arscnals
are all the military establishment which
may be required for the present use of
the United States The privates OF the
corps to be enlisted for 4 certain period,
and after the expiration OF which to re-
turn to the mass of the citizens. An
energetic and national militia is to be
regarded as the capital security OF a Tree
republic, and not Il standing army,
forming distinct class in the commu-
nlty. 1t is the Introduction and dillu-
SION OF evil and corruption OF manners
INTO the mass oi the people that rem
dcrs standing army necessary. Ii is
when public spirit is dcspiscd and avar-
ice and Incidence and cifcninacy of
manner predominant and prevent ;hc
establishment OF institutions whi.h
would elevate the mind of the youth in
the paths Of virtue and honor that the
standing army is formed and rivctcd to-
ever"
WHY ANY INCREASES?
Are the people OF the United States
prepared to turn their back on these
words of caution from the pasl' What
reasons are assigned for the increase of
our standing army to 100000. according
to the impcralistic programme: They
say that We have grown to be Il great
populous nation, and as such, should
have a respectable army like the Other
powers OF earth. Ii empire and con-
quest arc our programme iur the future,
perhaps, yes. II the protection of our
institutions and the development OF our
industries and commerce is our aim.
then | say, no. There may be good
reasons for an increase in the naval cs-
adjustment, for the states have no ma
val militia. but there is none Tor the ma
tcrial increase of our standing army.
But instead OF arguing this proposition
on theoretical and political grounds. let
us look at ii from the taxpayers stand
point. Let Us count the cost OF our
present military establishment. lie, me
cite you tn the last report of the sccyc-
tary OF war He says on page 90:
The summary OF expenditures for
the fiscal year 1900, appropriations and
alotmcnts for 1000, and estimates for
1901, is rs follows: