Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1914-12-16


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
and make 1t a means of discipline
which our young men win learn to
value. 1t is right that we should pro
vide it not only. but that we should
make 1t as attractive as possible. and
so induce our young men to undergo
1t 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
things can be stimulated is legitimate,
and such a method smaeks of true
American ideas. II is a 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 OF occasion
specially calls for such measures. but
because it should be our constant poll
fey to make these provisions for our
national peace and safety.
More than this carries with it a 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 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 us
ashamed of any thought of hostility
or fearful preparation for 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 en-
body and exemplify the councils OF
peace and amity and the lasting con-
cord which is based on justice and fair
and generous dealing.
Ships Our Natural 8uIwarks.
A powerful navy we have always
regarded as our proper and natural
means of defense; and II 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
constrJct--and when will they be
right for ten years together, If the
relative efficiency of craft of differ
ent kinds and -es continues to
change as we have seen it change
under over very eyes in these last
few months?
But | turn away from the subject.
1t 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-
ton has not changed it's aspects be
cause the times are not normal. Our
policy viii not be for an occasion.
Il will be conceived as a permanent
and settled thing, which we will pur.
sue at all seasons, without haste and
after 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 misccneep-
ton. 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 / began. by reminding
you of the great tasks and duties OF
peace which challenge our best powers
! ead invite us to build what will last,
the tasks to which we can address
ourselves now and at all times the
| fTee-hearted zest and with all the fin.
est gifts of constructive wisdom we
possess. TO develop our hfe and our
| resources. to supply our own reople.