The Spectator., 1914-12-08

l the training may be made familiar with the use of modern arms. the rudi- ments of drill and maneuver, and the maintenance and sanitation of camps. We should encourage such training l and make 1t means of discipline which our young men will learn to value. It is right that we should pro vide 1t not only, but that we should | make 1t as attractive as possible, and | so induce our young men to undergo | it at such times as they can command | a little freedom and can seek the physical development they need, for | mere health's sake, if for nothing | more. Every means by which such l things can be stimulated is legitimate, and such a method smacks of true | American ideas. It is right, too, that the National Guard of the states | should be developed and strengthened | by every means which is not incon- sistent with our obligations to our own people or with the established | policy of our government. And this, | also not because the time or occasion | specially calls for such measures. but because 1t should be our constant pol icy to make these provisions for our national peace and safety.
 More than this carries with 1t re- versal of the whole history and char acter of our polity. More than this, proposed at this time, permit me to say. would mean merely that we had lost our self-possession. that we had been thrown off our balance by war with which we have nothing to do, whose causes cannot touch us, whose very existence affords us opportun- ities of friendship and disinterested service which should make us ashamed of any thought of hostility or fearful preparation for trouble. This is assuredly the opportunity for which a people and government like ours were raised up. the opportunity not only to speak but actually to em- body and exemplify the counsels of peace and amity and the lasting con- cord which is based on justice and fair and generous dealing.
 Ships Our Natural Bulwarks.
 A powerful navy we have always regarded as our proper and natural means of defense; and it 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 seas, in the future as in the past: and there will be no thought of offense or of provo cation in that Our ships are our natural bulwarks. When will the ex- perts tell us just what kind we should construct-and when will they be right for ten years together, if the relative efficiency of craft of differ ent kinds and uses continues to change as We have seen it change under over very eyes in these last few months?
 But I turn away from the subject. It is not new. There is no new need to discuss it. We shall not alter our attitude toward it because some amongst us are nervous and excited. We shall easily and sensibly agree upon a policy of defense. The Ques- tion has not changed it's aspects be- cause the times are not normal. Our policy will not be for an occasion. It will be conceived as a permanent and settled thing. which we will pur- sue at all seasons. without haste and after a fashion perfectly consistent with the peace of the world, the abid- ing friendship of states, and the un- hampered freedom of all with whom we deal. Let there be no misconcep- tion. The country has been misin- formed We have not been negligent of national defense We are not un- mindful of the great responsibility resting upon us. We shall learn and profit by the lesson of every exper- fence and every new circumstance; and what is needed will be adequately done.
 Great Duties of Peace.
 close. as l began, by reminding you of the great tasks and duties of peace which challenge our best powers and invite us to build what will last, the tasks to which we can address ourselves now and at all times the free-hearted zest and with all the fin est gifts of constructive wisdom we possess. To develop our life and our resources; to supply our own people. and the people of the world as their need arises. from the abundant plenty of our fields and our marts of trade; to enrich the commerce of our own states and of the world with the prod. ucts of our mines, our farms. and our factories. with the creations of our thought and the fruits of our charac. ter-this is what will hold our atten. ton and our enthusiasm steadily. now and in the years to come. as we strive i to show in our life as a nation what | liberty and the inspirations of an emancipated spirit may do for men | and for societies, for individuals. for | states. and for mankind.