The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson, S.C.) 1914-1917, 1914-12-11

say. would mean merely that we had
lost our self-possession, that we had
with which VIC have nothing to do,
been thrown off our balance by war
whose causes can not touch us, whose
very existence affords us opportuni-
ties of friendship and disinterested
service which should make us asham-
ed of any thought Of hostility or fear
full preparatio ntor trouble. This Is
assuredly the opportunity for which
people and a government like ours
were raised up. the opportunity not
only to speak but actually to cmbody
and exemplify the s.ounscIs CT peace
end amity and Tho lasting concord
which is based on justice and fair and
generous dealing.
A powerful navy we have, always
regarded as our proper and natural
means Of defense; and 1t has always
been Of defense that we have thought
never of aggression or. of conquest
But who shall tell US now what sort
Of navy to- build? We shall take
leave to be strong upon THE aeas. In
the future, as In the past: !; and there
Will be no Thought of. offense .pr OF
provocation in that Our ships srs
our natural bulwarks. When will the
experts tell us just what kind we
should construct-and then will they
be right for ten years together, II the
relative efficiency OF craft OF different
kinds and uses continues, to change as
we nave seen it change under our very
eyes In these last few months?
But ! turn away from the subject
1t is not new. There % NO new need
to discuss 1t. We shall mt alter our
attitude toward It, because scme
among US are nervous and excited.
We shall easily and sensihly agree
upon policy OF defense. The ques-
ton has not changed it's aspects be-
cause the times are not normal. Our
policy will not he for an occasion. It
will be conceived as a permanent and
settled thing, which we will pursue at
all seasons, without haste and after
a fashion perfectly consistent with
the peace OF the world. the abiding
friendship Of States. and the unham-
pered freedom OF all with whom we
deal. Let there be no misconceptlon.
The country has been misinforrned.
We have not been negligent OF nntion-,
al DEFENSE. We are not unmindful. ct.
the, great responsibility resting upon
fus. We shall learn and profit by The
lesson or every experience and every
new circumstance; and what Is need
led will be adequately done.
! close. as I began, by reminding
you Of the great tasks and duties Of.
peace which challenge our best now,
ers and invite us to build what will
last, the tasks to which we can. ad-.
ldress ourselves now and at all, times
with free-hearted zest and with ell the,
finest gifts OF constructive wisdom we.
possess. To develop our life and our
resources: to supply onr own people,
and the people Of the world as their
need arises. from the abundant plenty
LOT our ns:ds and our marts OF trade:
to enrich the commerce. OF our own
/ States and OF the world with sse nm
ducts OF our mines, Npr FARMS, ana
our factories, with! the creations Yof
our thought and the fruits of our.
lcharacte er.-this is what viii hold our,
attention and our enthusiasm steadi-
/ ~, now and In the years to come. al
1--we strive to show IN our life as I, 't,a-
! tion what liberty and the inspirations
OF an en1ancipated spirit may do FOR
men and Tor societies, for iniiyiduniss
Tor States, and for mankind. ssif,.5sg 4. .