The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-11-12
Address by the President.

After congratulatory cablegrams had
been read by Norris K. Jessup, the presi-
dent Of the chamber, President Roosevelt
delivered the principal address of the even
ing:
Il do not wish to speak to you in the lam
guage of idle compliment, and yet IL is but
a bare statement of fact TO say that no.
cred an audience which would stand as
more typicelly characteristic than this of
all those qualities and attributes which
have given us of the United States our
commanding position in the industrial
world.
There is no need of my preaching to
this gathering the need of combining eff
cheney with upright dealing. for, as an
American and as citizen of New York,
am proud 30 feel that the name of your
organization carries with Ii a guaranty of
both, and your practice counts for more
than any preaching could possibly count.
New York is a city of national Importance
because its position toward the Nation is
unique, and the Chamber of Commerce of
Of weight III the commercial and industrial
welfare of The entire people.
New York is the great port of entry
for our couutry-the port in which centers
the bulk of foreign commerce of the cOun-
try-and her welfare is. therefore, no mat
ter of mere local or municipal, but of
tional concern. The conduct Of the gov
ernment in dealing with all matters affect
ing the finsncial and commercial relations
of New York must continually take into
account this fact, and il must be taken
into account in appreciating the Importance
of the part played by the New York Cham
ber of Commerce.
This body stands for the triumph OF
peace both abroad and at home. We have
passed that stage of national development
when depre citation of other people is felt
as a tribute to our own. We watch the
growth and prosperity of other nations,
not with hatred or jealousy, but with sim
nd ri Wi L I
say safely that we have shown by our
attitude toward Cuba. by our attitude
toward China; that: as regards weaker
able to stand alone. and that IL they will
only show themselves willing to deal hon.
estly and fairly with the rest OF mankind
We on our side will do all We can TO help
not to hinder. them.
A JUST MAN ARMED is POTENT.
with the great powers of the world we
desire no rivalry that is not honorable to
both parties. We wish them well. We
is ever stronger toward peace, not war;
toward friendship. not hostility. as the
normal international attitude. We are
glad, indeed, that we are on good terms
with all the other peoples of mankind, and
no effort On our part shall be spared to
secure a continuance of these relations
And remember. gentlemen. that We shall
be potent factor for peace largely in
proportion to the way in which we make
il evident that our attitude is due not TO
weakness not to inability to defend our
selves. but TO a genuine repugnance 10
wrongdoine-a genuine desire for self-re-
specting friendship with our neighbors
The voice of the weakling or the craven
counts for nothing when he clamors for
peace but the voice OF the just man armed
is potent we need 10 keep in a condition
of preparedness. especially. as regards our
navy. not because we want war, but be-
cause we desire 10 stand with those whose
plea for peace is listened TO with respectful
attention.
.Importaht though IL Is that We should
have peace abroad. IL Is even more impor-
tant that we should have peace at home
You. men OF the Chamber OF Commerce
to whose Efforts We owe so much Of our