The Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1900-current, 1904-12-25
THE PREVENTION OF WAR.

Editor Morning News: Your report
of lecture delivered in Savannah by
Capt. Hobson contains a novel sug-
gestion, to wit: That the United
States should increase the number of
battleships in her navy so that il
might be stronger than any other ma
ton, the result being that these would
be afraid to attack, so there might
result, peace. Your genial suptuagena-
r1an correspondent in the Land OF
Flowers approves, and we are expect
ed to acquiesce, or to show cause for
disagreement.
The latter impresses me as reason
able and | beg leave to enter a de-
murrer. The enormous cost of build
ing and equipping these monsters, the
Keeping of them in commission ready
Tor duty, must be borne by all the
people, hence all are interested in
coming to correct conclusion.
The cost of building one of this class
of destroyers varies from $1,000, 900 ia
$5,OOO,000; indeed 1 learn of an esti-
mate of $S,000,000 for one to be built if
the people consent.
The activity and ever increasing
creasing skill of the builders of sub
marine torpedoes' render this class of
vessels of doubtful value; as they are
readily rendered of no value by a de-
termined effort of men willing to at
tempt the work of blowing up vessel
and crew. This cause alone might
render it advisable to inquire if there
is no other way of preventing warp
With increased intelligence a people
learn that war may be prevented
without threat, but by appeal to the
reason. If as good or better result
may be gained by negotiation as by
violence what reason exists for the
final appeal to force?
The question being moral becomes
also economic
The claim is put forth that the Japa-
nese is essentially a Lover of his
country" and willingly lays down his
life for 1t; he unites a pagan, barbaric
disregard of death and danger with a
skill in modern methods of warfare
which has made him the victor on
many bloody fields but he must nav
the cost for generation in increased
taxation and deprivation of essential
comforts. Every consideration points
to need for intelligent arbitration
and Interference by other powers TO
prevent further suffering. The Russian
is hardy. and stubborn, and without
outside effort the war may continue
for years.
1tIAduy mas Sldnulng army of
more than half a million of men. and
1t is proposed to increase it, so as TO
keep pace with that of France. her
neighbor and rival. What possible loss
could there be II agreement were made
between the two peoples to reduce in
equal proportions until three-fourths of
these idlers were sent into the produce
tive field and taught habits of industry.
instead of as now trained to idle. vic
cious, harmful lives?
Instead of more battleships we need
more school houses, more teachers.
more of appreciation of a
need for education instruction and
training for every child so that they
may be fitted for the best work OF life.
producers. not destroyers When this
comes to us we shall no longer advo-
cate war. but we shall know that there
can come only evil from war, or from
the costly. useless, dangerous prepnra-
tion for war. Capt. Hobson IN a hero
who has shown his daring and courage
IN an unusual degree. but fancy he
sometimes realizes that peace has It's
dangers as well as war. But the trend
IN away from the eanguinary battle
field toward the more useful arts and
sciences, and IN good time we who adj
vocate peace for the world must find
a newer theme. for this VIII have found
rs contamination.
william Riloy BOYD.
Atlanta, Ga. chrifimas-tido. 1905.