The Washington herald., 1909-05-07
Peace and Armsments.

The National Peace Congress az Chi
cago has adopted strong resolutions con-
demnatory OF international rivalry IN
military expenditures as unworthy Of
enlightened nations" and asks the gov
eminent 10 take the initiative in securing
an agreement among the powers to stop
the expansion OF armaments. That such
an enterprise Is doomed 70 failure, should
or government attempt Il. is evident
from the sentiments expressed by the
German Ambassador IN his address 10
the congress, wherein he merely relter-
ated the well-knOwn and apparently irrev-
ocabIe attitude OF the German Emperor.
Il Is that German policy is purely pacific,
that the German army and navy are the
suTeSt guarantees OF German independ-
ence and freedom from attack. and that
the efficiency OF German arms Is a pre-
servative Of European concord. Count von
Bernstein pointed out that for forty years
Germany, though possessing a powerful
army and a growing navy, had INDUCED
in no aggressive warfare. and that her
influence had been steadily exerted TO pre-
serve the worlds peace. He observed
that the limitation Of armaments. under
existing conditions, was something that
the German government could not con-
oern itself with. however regretfuIIy the
German Emperor might disagree with the
advocates Of q reduction Of military bur
dens. This Is. in substance. what the
representatives OF Germany have stated al
both The Hague conferences. and there is
not the remOtest chance that German
opinion OF policy viii be changed By any
amount Of resoluting or diplomatic repre-
sentation-
And Germany holds the key to the
whole armament situation. As long as
she keeps on adding 10 the size OF her
navy, and maintains an immense military
s establishment. so long viii other nations
feei compelled 70 maintain rival estab-
lishments. The rivalry nay make for
peace, but It Is a costly insurance against
war. n his letter 10 the Peace Congress
President Taft remarked that while ar
maments went on increasing. the burdens
presented by this competition in arma-
menl are growing heavier and heavier.
and the problems for solution. consistent
with their increase. become more and
more difficult Yet. Il the competition is
necessary TO preserve not only the worlds
peace, but also 10 save the national life
OF diverse peoples. Il is evident that the
burden viii be shouldered IN spite OF its
Increasing weight The japanese are
taxed 10 the extent Of one-third Of their
national income 10 support their govern
ment and its military power. and cheer
fully do It 70 maintain their national
prestige. A fraction OF such 4 tax sufices
10 maintain the military burdens OF Ger
many and England. and their people
would doubtless support stiu heavier tax
alton II the national existence were
threatened
President Taft believes that other
causes have contributed 10 the main
tenance Of the worlds peace, and these
influences viii continue to be exerted by
the United States and other pacific na-
tons. But for the reduction OF national
armament, he holds out not the slightest
hope. nor can any hope be seen In the
attitude OF any European government It
IS situation which throws strong
light On the inability Of craftsmanship TO
cope with those larger forces that direct
the course Of international events.