The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1909-03-05
TAFT OUTLINES POLICY OF
ADMINISTRATION IN HIS ADDRESS

! ceSSIEy Tor u1EfQCalElUz uttueE aims =
| great army. but It does not take away
! the requirement OF mere prudence,
| that we should have an srTny sufi-
GENTLY large and so constituted as to
| form a nucleus out OF which & suitable
! force can quickly grow
What has been said OF the army
may be affirmed in even more en-
phatic way Of the navy. A modern
. navy cannot be improviSed. It must
be built ard in existence when the
emergency arises which calls for its
use and operation. Ny distinguished
predecessor has in many speeches and
message set out with great force and
striking language the necessity for
maintaining a strong navy commensu-
rate with the coast line. the govern
mental resources and the foreign trade
of our nation. and l wish 30 reiterate
all the reasons which he has presented
in favor OF the policy Of maintaining
q strong navy as the best CONSERVATION
Of our peace with other nations and
the best means OF securing respect for
the assertion of our rights, the defense
Of our interests and the exercise OF
our influence in international matters.
Must Arm as Other Nations Do.
Our international policy is always TO
promote peace. We shall enter into
any war with Il full consciousness OF
the awful consequences that it always
entails. whether successful CT not. and
we, Of course, shall make every effort,
consistent with national honor and the
highest national interest, 10 avoid
resort to arms. We favor every instrU-
mentality. like that Of The Hague tri-
bunaI and arbitration treaties made
with view to its use in all interna
tionaI controversies. in order Ia main
tain peace and TO avoid war. But we
should be blind to existing conditions
and should allow ourselves Ia become
foolish ideaIists If We did not realize
that, with all the nations of the world
armed and prepared for war. we must
be ourselves in a similar condition In
order 10 prevent other nations from
taking advantage of Us and Of our in
ability To defend our interests and as
Sert our rights with a strong hand.
In the international controversies that
are likely 10 arise in the orient, grow
ing ont Of the question OF the
open door and other issues, the
United States can maintain her inter
ests intact and can SECURE respect for
her just demands. She will not be
able to do so. however. If it is under
stood that she never intends TO back
up her assertion OF right and her de
Tense Of her interest 10y anything but
mere verbal protest and diplomatic
note. For these reasons the expenses
Of the army ana navy and OF coast de
lenses should always be considered as
something which the government must
pay for. and they should not be cut Off
through mere consideration Of econ
omy. Our government is able ID af-
ford a suitable army and a suitable
navy. It may maintain them without
the slightest danger to the republic or
the cause Of free institutions. and fear
Of additional taxation ought not 10
change a proper policy in this regard.
Protection For Our Citizens Abroad.
The policy Of the United States in
the Spanish war and since has given
il a position of influence among the
nations that It never had before and
should be constantly exerted to Secur-
ing to its bona fide citizens. whether
native or naturRlized, respect for them
as such In foreign countries. We
should make every effort to prevent
humiliating and degrading prohibition
against any Of our citizens wishing
temporarily 70 sojourn in foreign cona-
tries because Of race or religion.
II. I.RansA Ouax4fou