The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1914-12-11

reconciliation and a healing settle
ment Of many a matter that has cooled
and interrupted the friendship OF
nations. This is the time above all
others that we should wish and re-
solve to keep our strength by self-pos.
session, W influence by preserving
our ancient principles Of action.
Ready for Defense.
From the first we have had = clear
and settled policy with regard 70
military establishments. We never
have had, and while we retain our
present principles and ideals we never
shall have, a large standing army.
If asked, are you ready to detsna
yourselves? We reply. most assured
ly. to the utmost. and yet we shaii
not turn America into \ Military
camp. We must depend in every time
of national peril, In the future ~ II
the past. not upon a standing army
MOI yet upon a reserve army. but upon
a citi2enry trained and accustomed
to arms. 1t will be right enough, righS
American policy, based upon our ac
customed principles and practices 70
provide a system by which every
citizen who will volunteer Tor
the training may be made tamlliaf
with the use of m lern arms. the rudi
meuts of drill and maneuVer, and inc
maintenance and sanitation OF camps
We should encourage such training
and make 1t a means OF discipline
which our young men will learn 10
value The National Guard OF the
states should be developed ana
strengthened by every means which 10
not Inconsistent with our obligations
to our own people or with the es'ao-
lishcd policy Of our government. Ana
this, also, nc' because the time or 90
casion specially calls for such meas
ures, but because 1t should be our
constant policy to make these provt'
4 sions for our national peace and sale
ty.
NJ ,re than this carries with 1t a re"
vorsal of the whole history and cnar-
acter of our polity More than this'
nroposed at this time, permit me TO
saw, would mean merely that we had
lost our self-possession, that we mao
been thrown off our balance by a war
with which we have nothing to DO,
whose causes cannot touch us. whose
very existence affords US opportun'
tiles of friendship and disinterested
service which should make
ashamed of any thought OF hostility
or fearful preparation for trouble
This Is assuredly the opportunity to'
which people and a government nk>
ours we're raised up, the opportunity
not only to speak but actually to EN-
body and exemplify the counsels Of
peace and amity and the lasting con
cord which is based on Justice and fah
and generous dealing.
Ships Our Natural eulwarka.
A powerful lazy we have Away
regarded as vur proper and natura
means of defense: and It has Away
been of defense that we have thought
never Of aggression or OF conquest
Put who shall tell us now what sor
Of navy to build? We shall take leav'
to be strong upon the seas. In tn
future as in the past; and there will
he no thought OF offense or OF provo
cation in that. Our ships are GU
natural bulwarks. When will the e1
merits tell Is Just what kind we shout
construct-and when will they b
right for ten years together, II tn
relative efficiency Of craft OF dine'
ont kinds and use continues I
change as VIZ have seen 1t chang
under our very eyes In these ias
few months!
, But turn away from the subjec
It ia not new. There Is no new nee
, IN discuss II. Let there be no miscoI
ception. The country has been misi'
formed. We have not been negliser
Of national defense. We are not u
. mindful Of the great responsibility
. resting upon US, We shall learn an
nroft by the lesson Of every expei
+ ence and every ley circumstances
). and what Is needed will be adequatel
3 done.
Great Duties Of Peace.
close, as ] began, by remindir
you of the great tasks and duties
neace which challenge our best powe
and invite US to build what will la'
4 the tasks to which We 4 adore
g ourselves 0 and at oil times Il
r free-bearted zest and with all the fne
!. gifts OF constructive wisdom We pa
v sess. To develop our life ana U !
sources; 10 supply our own people. n
., the peopie OF the world Al their ne'
n arises. from the abundant plenty
# onr fields and our marts Of trade;
enrich the commerce Of our " stat
n and of the world with the products
a il mines, our farms. ana U "a
tories. with the creations OF o
thought and the fruits OF our chars
G ter-this is what will hold our atte
t,on and our enthusia- ! steadily. nc
d and in the years to come, as we stri
4. n show In our life as a nation VII
,e liberty and the inspirations Of
,r emancipated spirit may DO Tor m
s and for societies, for individuals.
ID states, and for mankind.
,e nv a fern filled with chirpins insec
al L,oun throughout Japan, whence IN