The San Francisco call., 1904-11-03
A DANGEROUS PLAYTHING.

II viii be apt to produce another periIous
eiisr,, ehect II th mas 20 often and not unjusty been
country GO Is coming In great part to the habit
tolls on their persons. Likewise a great war
neet, especially new that is not en-
ployed IN necessary duties. may become a Sc
advocates urge that it is to prevent trouble.
II Is, just as apt. by impulsive and reckless
are too literally flung about the world they
are are oceasionally as exposed to seductive tempta
.lons ana troubles II may become risk
You Mr Chairman. have had reason 70
You have seen and felt its blighting power.
The glowing impulses Of your Young man
h3od; your attachment TO the spirit OF liberty
which has characterized Germany from the
days OF Tacitus, your yearning for better
things for your country and the world-all
power. the inevitable accompaniments Of en-
pire, whether real or only in shadow
the admiration OF your native land and it has
been given to you TO live in a time when your
warning voice has been raised to avert the
1rst faint suggestion that the love OF martial
glory and It's dangers are not absent from the
greatest republic in the worlds history.
And you. too. the men who listen 10 me
know either by your fathers or grandfathers
what martial glory means. II forced many OF
lives. when careful parental nurture was koth
your need and your due oo
ask you in all soberness is II not best for
the peace well being and happine~z ~ onr
People ana Tor the preservation of our free in
u WIilcn We owe 50 much
growth In comfort wealth and power. that in
stead OF indulging our ambition in adventurous
policy OF empire and dominion over foreign
countries and alien populations: instead of
scuandering our substance In wholly llnnsces-
sary war establishments at Immense cost. IN.
stead OF sacrificing the great conservative nrin-
clples and high Ideals we inherited from, fhs
fathers to the false glitter Of imperial great
ness. which at all periods OF human history has
instead OF provoking the distrust OF ali man
kind by the display OF armed force on ever
possible occasion which raises suspicion o;
vague and hazardous schemes Of restless am.
bitIon lurking in the background-we should
return 10 the principles and ideals which dur.
1 ing the hrst century of national existence
have proved so Just and benehcent go thai
government by the people and for the people
may not perish from the earth?
Should not divert our material an vel
as mental resources to the building up of oul
great country, which is oable OF Infinitely
greater development than IL has so far at.
| tained. and to the solution OF the political and
social problem which surge upon us?
Should we not cultivate peace and friend
| ship with all nations, scfupulousiy respecting
] their rights as well as their legitimate feel.
/ ings spreading our commerce over the world
/ not at the cannon's mouth but by fnteIIIren,
and industrious striving for superiority ir
/ friendly competition 10 the quality and pro
| portionate price OF our goods?
BY doing should present to the woric
/ the inspiring example OF truly free people
pesceable and orderly, self-respecting and
| happy in their freedom and prosperity.
Such an example Will do infinitely more tc
| advance our own welfare as well as the peace
and civilization OF mankind, than any mum.
ber ~ battleships and all the splendor OF i'm
perisl power.