Evening journal., 1914-12-09
PEACE WHEN THERE is No PEACE.

PEACE WHEN THERE Is No PEAtE.
TN the columns of the New York Tribune we find the
following letter which deem worthy Of repro
duotion
To the Editor of The Tribune
Sir Again see in the reported sermon preached
by the Rev. John Haynes Holmes on Thanksgiving Day
instance of the spirit of those who denounce
utterly false and erroneous the beliefs of those who
differ from themselves
believer I'm disarmament and the spirit of non-ress
tance he must needs cry down traitors TO their
country and God" those who equally honest and ear
in their beliefs would seek 10 keep this country
from the possibility OF fate which may be even now
preparing and which may equal or surpass that of
China Luxemburg and Belgium TO say nothing of those
other nations which I'm the past have either relied upon
the supposed intentions of other nations or through
their weakness have been unable to properly safeguard
themselves.
Mr.. Holmes says:
"Ie is traitor, not merely to his countrymen, but
also his God who advises America at this hour to
increase her armaments.'
Was Washington a traitor TO God country? He
urged suitable and adequate military establishment
in times Of peace contemplation of defence in time
of war Are those men traitors who believing honestly
that we are unprepared and relatively defenceless
against possible foreign aggression advocate and
the correction of what they believe 70 be military de-
hciences, and the safeguarding OF our national life
honor and security. and even our Individual homes2
There is for all shades OF opinion in this country
and Il hardly seems meet and proper TO ca names at
those who differ from ourselves.
AS to false prophets. which the reverend gentle
we must arm and thus be prepared be Is In error, for
the contrary the Bible In jeremiah Vi. l5ll COM
Peace peace, when there is no peace and says;
also | set watchmen over you. saying hearken TO
the sound of the trumpet but they said We VIII not
bring evil upon this people
Can he deny the words Of the Master himself, who
said Il have not 10 bring peace. but sword,
and Nation shall rise against nation"
II is the constant OF these peace at any price,
advocates that they 10 believe that proper meas
ure Of precaution and preparation (Which is only ma
onal insurance against the aggression Of other ma
uons) is evidence Of spirit Of aggression in our
3
burned, but the wise man provides IRE extngushers
and protects himself by insurance while municipalities
support FIRE companies against the possibility Of
harrafions When IRE starts e Is too late 10 organ
ize fire department. purchase the apparatus or take
out q policy Of insurance.
TIE reverend gentleman further advocates: "Aban-
donins reliance upon force" Keep the army and navy
AZ the very minimum cfc.
why no. 20 a step further in abandoning reliance
upon force and give the army and navy altogether?
Why do we keep any army and naryg Why keep a
police forcef II the police are necessary TO guard
against domestic violence aggression and disorder and
70 protect cur homes against burglars. and keep our
streets free from thugs. highwaymen and eyidoers,
IS not the same principle good In respect 10 the import
anco Of keeping an army and navy Of adequate size
make us safe against national burglary. assault or
lbertiesg Does Mr. Holmes look with contempt upon
the ancestors Of some Of u.s. II not himself who did their
part In 1875 and 1912, who carried the burdens Of
1861 who took part IN the war for humanity OF
1887 lf we had had an adequate regular army on
these occasions the loss of fe would have been less
and peace would have quicker.
Again am minded 10 quote for the reverend gentle
ter of Matthew:
"or else how one enter into strong mans house
and spoil his goods except he first bind the strong
man? and then he will spoil his house"
And his attention is invited TO the fact that he him
self Is one of those who seeking 10 bind the strong
man" by such and preaching as has called
forth this letter Let Mr.. Holmes also read Matthew,
! 24-43. in which our Lord cites example the
householder who should have watched and prevented
! by force his house from being broken up.
Let us by all means practice In relation with
mankind Justice mercy, good faith, but let watch
and be ready for we know not at what hour the thief
will come, and also let not in sefassurance
call those who differ from traitors, there
be who believe that the treachery lies the other
side in seeking to lul to sleep and fancied security
nation that has always been too prone TO follow that
course.
TO some of us it appears that the time has come
when those should be rebuked and sienced who
through even ignorance misguided opinion
would take away from MS what little protection We
have AS Lowell said.
God give peace. Not such ulls to sleep
But sword on thigh and brow with purpose knit
And let the Ship of state to harbor sweep
i Her ports all up her battle lanterns III,
And her leashed thunders gathering for their leap.
JOHN W. LONELAND.
New York, Dec. 3. 1914
Expressions of opinion by many prominent American
who cannot be oassed alarmiss that since tn
European opened and the effect Of German prepar
edness and British French and Russian unpreparednes
have t,come apparent there is exceedingly stron
sentiment in this country IN favor of preparedness
at least for purposes of defense
There only logical thing for the Progressive
to do. That is 70 return TO the Republican part,
where they properly belong Many of them hav
shown they appreciate that fact others will folio,
[ their course in the next election. The Republican
b stand ready to welcome their return to party alls
4 glance, just they have always done since the d,
n plorable split in Chicago
u ----
+ The National Old Maids Association ought TO n