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
CoIIege-Arbitration More Effective
When Backed Up by Competent
Army and Navy.

Newport. r. l., June 3.-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 Has and were attended by large
number of army and navy officials, ana
their families, Senator Wetmore, Con-
tgressrnan Granger, state and city otfi-
cials. and several members of New
ports summer colony.
The guests We're received by Captain
French f. Chadwick, president OF the
college. and were shown to the lecture
room. The speaker was introduced by
Captain Chadwick, saying that he was
clad to introduce the officer whose ear :
~ and persistent advocacy caused the
establishment of the college. and who
was its first president, nineteen years
ago.
He began by explaining the meaning OF
The college and the object for which IT
WAS instituted. Among other things ne
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
nierce 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 1lavies which may some day
be opposed to cur own, but we are de-
ourselves of what would prove
in time of war an auxiliary of incalcu-
liable value. These and kindred sub
jects belong to the strategy of peace,
each topic finding its place in the col
iege course.
The Imprisonment of American mis-
sonaries and massacres of Christians
Under Turkish rule is n constant source
If irritation to the people of this coun-
try and may some day strain our for
eign relations to the point of rupture.
On the other hand, the preservation in
China of what has come to be known
as the 'open-door' policy, so essential
TO our commercial interests, requires
attention.
ITO obtain some perception, however.
Of the future we must study the
past. This teaches us that the civili-
zation we now enjoy was rendered pos
sibie by wars. Any future problems in
the destiny of man will he worked out
thru the instrumentality of the sword
There is no escaping it. Tears and til
tades are here of no avail. We are no
apologists OF war. Heaven forbid We
simply regard it from the common
sense point of view. as one of the many
evils flesh is heir to. War in certain
instances may be averted. But mark
This well: it may be averted in one way
only, and that way is to be fully pre-
pared for it, That is the meaning of
his college: it is an instrumentality for
lie prev eHtioll OIL war by Delng pre-
pared for it.
1T is right here where the college
DIN hands with the universal peace
societies; to be prepared for war is the
ole of naval strategy, which belongs to
/ period of peace"
In closing the speaker said that 1--WE
III sincerely hope that arbitration may
ultimately prove the sovereign pana-
'ea for the great curse of war and that
he door of the temple of Janus may be
orever closed. But Janus, tho repre-
ented as god, is also represented as
two-faced,' and not always to be
rusted, and arbitration fails unhappily
when most needed. Beware of false
prophets. 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
nay be trusted only when it is the re- |
ult of long and careful study and re-
lection
Following the address Admiral Luce
vas rendered an informal reception.
ma the party was then entertained by
'aptain and Mrs CbaSv.;o,- -. ,,