Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1903-06-03
Admiral Luce Says Nation
Should Be In Readiness For
Possible Conflict
BEST MEANS OF AVOIDING WAR
Important Declaration by Retired Ma
val Officer at the Opening of the War
Observation-Disclosures More Effective
When Backed UP by Competent
Army and Navy.

Newport. r. L. June 1.-The session
| of the Naval War College for the sum
mer of 1908 was formally opened yes
terday, the opening address being MADE
by Rear Admiral Stephen b. Luce. re-
tired, who. at the last moment, took the
place of Secretary Moody. who was un-
able to be present. The exercises began
at 11:45 and were attended by large
number OF army and navy officials. and
their families, Senator Wetmore, Con-
gresham Granger. state and city o1n-
cials, and several members of New
ports summer colony.
The guests were received by Captain
French f. Chadwick president OF the
college, and We're shown TO the lecture
room. The speaker was introduced by
Captain Chadwick, saying that he was
clad to introduce the officer whose ear
iy and persistent advocacy caused the
establishment OF the college. and who
was its first president, nineteen years
ago.
Admiral Luce was warmly received.
He began by explaining the meaning of
the college and the object for which it
was instituted. Among other things he
said that the world is growing impa-
tient for an isthmian canal and will
brook no frivolous excuses for delay.
Strategic points in the Caribbean and
the Pacific must be he'd and strength
ened and coaling stations and repair
shops under ample protection must be
provided. The Monroe doctrine alone
demands a careful consideration OF
these questions
In speaking of the mercantile marine
he said that it was early observed that
we had Clipped the wings of COM
merce and driven our carrying trade to
foreign bottoms. The same is practi-
cally true today Thus We are not only
indirectly 20 the support
of foreign navies which may some day
be opposed to cur own, but we are de-
prifing ourselves of what would prove
in time Of war an auxiliary OF incalcu-
liable value. These and kindred SUBJ
jects belong to the strategy of peace.
each topic finding its place in the col
ege course.
The imprisonment of American mis-
sionaries and massacres of Christians
rnder Turkish rule is a constant source
Vt irritation to the people of this coun-
.ry and may some day stIain our for
eign relations to the point of rupture
On the other hand, the preservation in
China of what has come to be known
IS the 'open-door policy. SO essential
% our commercial interests, requires
attention
To obtain some perception, however,
IF the future we must study the
past. This teaches us that the civili-
.ation we now enjoy was rendered pos
'ible by wars. Any future problems in
he destiny of man will he worked out
hru the instrumentality of the sword.
There is no escaping it. Tears and IT,
AIDES are here of no avail. We are no
biologists OF war. Heaven forbid We
imply regard it from the common
ense point of view, as one of the many
wills flesh is heir to. War in certain
instances may be avertad. But mark
his we'll: 1t may be averted in one way
'nly. and that way is to be fully pre-
Jared for 1t. That is the meaning of |
mis- college: 1t is an instrumentality for |
he prevention Of war by being pre-
jared for it.
1T is right here where the college
Din hands with the universal peace
ocieties: to be prepared for war is the
ole of naval strategy, which belongs to
period of peace"
In closing the speaker said that I'VE
III sincerely hope that arbitration may
Ultimately prove the sovereign pana-
ca for the great curse of war and that
he door of the temple of Janus NAV be
brewer closed. But Janus tho repre-
ented as god. is also represented as
Wo-faced, and not always to be
rusted, and arbitration fails unhappily
hen most needed. Beware of false
rophets The race is not extinct one
hing must be borne in mind. AT the
ring of the first gun proclaiming war
he so-called inspiration of Genius
'ay be trusted only when 1t is the re-
ut of long and careful study and re-
ection"
Following the address Admiral I.uce
as rendered an Informal recention.
nd the party was then entertained by
aptain and Mrs. Chadwick at lunch