The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1901-12-05

itnt peace Oil titiS ntnli> iillife.
During the past century other inllu
cnccS have established the pprmanpugc
ard independence of the smaller states
of Europe through the Monroe doc
trine we hope to be able to safeguard
like independence and secure like per
manence for the lesser among the new
world nations.
This doctrine has nothing to do with
the commercial relations of any AMIR
lean power save that it in truth allow
each of tl'em to form such as it des!r.
In other words. it is really a guarantc
Of the commercial independence of &!
Americas. We do not ask under tn
doctrine for any exclusive commences
dealings with any other America.
state We do not gunrantr" any sta =
against punishment if it misconducts
itself. provided that punishment does
not take the form Of the acquisition of
territory by any non-American power.
Our attitude in Cuba is sufficient
guarantee of our own good faith. We
have not the slightest desire to secure
any territory at the expense of any Of
our neighbOrS.
The Navy.
The president devotes considerable
space to the navy, the upbuilding of
which. he says, should be steadily con-
tinued. The navy offers Us, it is declar-
ed. the only means OF insisting on the
Monroe doctrine. and strong navy is
the best guarantee against war. He
recommends tLat provision be made
not only for more ships, but for more
men. -Four thousand additional sea
men and 1000 additional marines
should be provided, as well as an in.
crease in officers. After indorsing the
naval militia forces the president says
But in addition we should at once
provide for national naval reserve
organized and trained under the direc
ton CT the navy department and sub
ject to the call of tie chief executive
whenever war becomes Imminent. II
should be real auxiliary to the nava
seagoing peace establishment and Offer
material to be drawn on at once fol
manning our ships in time Of war.
The Army.
1t is not necessary to increase oul
army beyond its present size at this
time. but it is necessary to keep it a
the highest point of efficiency. The in
dividual units who as officers and en-
listed men compose this army are, VIZ
have good reason to believe, at least az
efficient as those Of any other army IL
the entire world. 1t is our duty to sex
that their training is of kind to in
sure the highest possible expression o.
power to these units when acting il
combination.
A general staff should be created
Promotions should be made solely
with regard to the good Of the service
Congress ought to provide. the presi
dent adds, for field exercises He con
tinues:
Action should be taken in reference
to the militia and to the raising of vol
unteer forces. Our militia law is OBJ
solete and worthless. The organization
and armament Of the national guard OF
the several states. which are treated
as militia in the appropriations by the
congress. should be made Identical with
those provided for the regular forces
The obligations and duties Of the guard
In time of war should be carefully de
fined and a system established by Law
under which the method Of procedure
Of raising volunteer forces should BIZ
prescribed in advance.
The Merit System.
The president indorses the merit sys
tenn of making appointments and saws
l recommend the passage Of a Law
which will extend the classified serv
Ice to the District Of Columbia or will
at least enable the president thus to ex
tend it. In my judgment all laws pro
viding for the temporary employment
OF clerks should hereafter contain g
provision that they be selected under
the civil service law.
1t is important to have this svsteu
obtain at home. but it is even more i'm
portant to have it applied rigidly in GU,
1nsular possessions. The importancf
or improving the consular service b,
the passage of Few laws is emphasized
The president then .ss--ns TO the In