Ottumwa tri-weekly courier., 1909-05-06
FOES OF WAR ADOPT
STRONG RESOLUTIONS.
(Continued from Page y

y
fathers because they were always sub
ject to entertainments of their pow
erful neighbors.
If you bear these historical facts
in mind you will easily understand,
why we believe that we must keep our
army and navy at full strength and
in high state of efficiency. 1t is
one of the most difficult problems for
the student of history to regard the
affairs of foreign nations with that
fine sympathetic insight which en-
ables him to understand the feelings
of nations and men differing in edu-
cations. habits and principles from
himself.
Every nation follows more or less
distinctive traditions of thought. They
all declare that they are the most
peaceful nation of the world, but they
only believe this of themselves and
| ignorant of the disposition. purposes
and qualities of other people. There
| fore one must judge nations like in
| dividuals by their acts and not ac-
cording to prejudices.
! In the hundred years that have
passed since we became nation in
arms we only went to war when 1t
was absolutely necessary for the pur-
pose of the unihcation of Germany
This object was worth fighting for
and could not be obtained by peaceful
means. If our neighbors had let
Germany unite without interfering,
we would have had no war at ALL
And since we are a united nation. we
never went to war. We wish to mind
our own business and not to be dis
turbed in it. We are happy and con-
tented and are therefore no menace
to neighboring nations. But our
geographical situation and the lessons
we learned from an eventful history
have taught us to believe that George
Washington's words still hold good,
who, as you all know, said: "To be
prepared for war is one of the most
effectual means Of preserving peace"
Only twice during the last forty
years did our soldiers have to fight.
On one occasion they fought shoulder
to shoulder with the troops of the
United States for the cause of civiliza-
not be called a war, neither can one
use this expression when we speak of
the rebellion in South West Africa,
which had to be subdued Moreover
in both cases which l mentioned the
national army was not sent to war.
Our troops in China and Africa We're
composed of volunteers 1t was not
even possible to enlist the great num-
ber of officers and soldiers who de-
sired to join the flag.
l often hear our Emperor spoken of
in this country as a war Lord. You
must, however, not forget, that al
though he has reigned for 81 years at
the head of the strongest army of
the world he never made war. Our
ornaments are intended to preserve
peace for our own people and so far
as possible to prevent war from
breaking out in other parts of the
world where we have interests to pro-
tect.
Only short time ago the Balkan
question brought Europe to the verge
of war. Peace was preserved chiefly
on account of the fact, that the whole
power Of Germany was thrown on the
scale of peace. Consequently all war
like tendencies vanished which ha6
/ sprung up here and there. Such gooC
: work Germany has again and AGAR
during the last 40 years done for the
cause Of peace. The success of thi!
4 work would, however, be compro
missed, If the efficiency of the German
: armaments could be called in ques
4 ton.
Let me close my address. ladies anc
gentlemen, by thanking you for you
kind attention.
: Secretary Balinger's Address.
4 Mr.. Ballinger spoke in part as fol
lows:
"Mr Chairman, Ladies and Gentle
men:
! Il am commissioned by the presi
Y dent Of the United States to bear tt
> you tidings of good will and encour
} agement in your praiseworthy efforts
. for universal peace.
: "The first president of the United
States wrote this message of peace:
= observe good faith and justice
4 towards all nations, cultivate
q peace and harmony with all. Re-
q ligion and morality enjoin this
y counsel. 1t will be worthy of a
free, enlightened, and. at no dis
q tant period, a great nation, to give
to mankind the magnanimous and
too often novel example of a peo-
n people always guided by exalted
a justice and benevolence.'
"This doctrine by it's continual ret
a GRAFTON during the history of this re
N public has acquired almost the fore
N and sanctity of law.
"Let us ever remember said Pre-:
II ident Mckinley, that our interest
81 in concord, not conflict; that our tru
n glory rests in the triumphs of peace
M not those of war.
Universal Peace Not Utopan.
n "The hope for universal peace
W hardly Utopian under possible cond
E tions, 1t is eminently practicabl,
@ hence to learn these possible cond
II tions and how to establish them is th
RI purpose for which our conference
d held; and your efforts so earnestl
M put forth.
n Again, if your work is to have il
M just reward, the ancient ideals and e
ri Inmates Of men must be changed; the
~ must not be martial; they must aris
IA out of the victories of peace.
rs Nov and then there breaks fort
d great confagration which the age
E cies of men seem powerless to ARE
n and which only dies out after consu1
ing everything combustible in it's pat
@ way; SO it seems to have been Wi
@ the passions Of men. that they
n u. u