The Washington times., 1902-03-17
Discusses Military Systems
of Europe and America.
UNDER AUSPICES OF Y. M. C. A.
Naval Officer Declares United States
- Most Christian Nation and Cites Incl
dent of Santiago Campaign to Pro- e
Humanity Of American Arms.

1.-THE United States is the greatest coun-
try in the world, and the American peo-
pie are marvels of industry. intelligence.
and physical development. said Capt.
Richmond Pearson Hobson. U. s. N, yes
terday afternoon. He was the orator at
the Young Mems Christian Association
meeting for boys, held in the gymnasium
of the Y NJ g. A. building on G Street.
and before the end of the address he had
completely won the hearts of.his youth
ful audience.
The large floor expanse of the gym
nasium was taxed to its fullest capacity.
and when Captain Hobson was introduced
he faced a sea of bright. youthful faces
A storm of applause greeted the naval
officer. and it was some time before he
could be heard.
Once More Boy.
Captain Hobson first thanked the Y. NJ.
c. A. officials for extending him an in
vitation to be with the boys" Il feel
as though l was one of you myself" be-
gan the captain. with smile. He soon
had the lads interested in the drift of his
remarks, and after cree gaining their at
tention he retained it until the end of
his discourse.
During his remarks Captain Hobson de-
1Tvered several telling shots at militar-
ism, as practiced in foreign countries. He
said that he had lived abroad for many
years, under circumstances that enabled
him to become perfectly familiar with
the existing conditions.
He said that the system OF compelling
service in the ranks of the army kept the
people of the land in a continual state of
dread. After showing that the manner
of recruiting in this country was but vol
untary on the part of the enlisted one,
Captain Hobson compared the results OBJ
tanned from the two systems. greatly to
the discredit of the foreign practice.
America in the Lead.
After discussing the numerous natural
and commercial advantages of the United
States over countries in other parts of
the world, Captain Hobson said that the
American people were also the most
Christian nation. AS an illustration of
this, in war times, when angry passions
are aroused to their fullest extent. Cap
tain Hohson related an incident that oc-
Cured at Santiago while he was held a
prisoner at the place after the blowing
up OF the Merrimac.
1.-THE army under General Shafter." he
said. had completely invested the land
side of the city. The feet in front of the
harbor cut off communication in that di-
rection. and consequently the city and
its Inhabitants was practically at the
mercy of the Americans.
Instead of taking advantage OF these
conditions to force the surrender OF the
city by reason Of the hunger and priva-
uonB of the noncembatants. the American
commander sent word to the people of
the beleaguered place that all noncom-
batants would be received within the
American lines.
Many Sought Safety.
After this order had been issued saw.
from my prison window. $4,000 women.
children. and old men pass into the pro-
tecting lines Of the Americans. From
then until the ultimate capitulation of
Santiago these people were fed by rations
issued by the American Government.
This action stands unique In the war
history Of the world and stamps the
American nation as a true exponent Of the
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