Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1914-12-08
PRESIDENT OPPOSED TO
BIG STANDING ARMY.
Speaks Plainly and Directly on Cues
ton of National Defenses.

=
1t Is the subject OF national defense.
1t cannot be discussed without first
answering some very searching ques-
tons. 1t is said in some quarters that
we are not prepared for war. What is
meant by being prepared? Is II meant
that we are not ready upon brief no.
| tice to put a nation in the field, ma
ton of men trained to arms2 OF
| course we are not ready to do that,
and we shall never be In time of peace
SO long as we retain our present polit-
ical principles and institutions. And
what is it that 1t is suggested we
should be prepared to do-to defend
ourselves against attack? We have al
ways found means to do that and
shall find them whenever 1t is neces-
sary without calling our people away
from their necessary tasks to render
compulsory military service in times
of peace.
, Allow me to speak with great plain
ness and directness upon this great
matter and TO avow my convictions
with deep earnestness. 1 have tried
TO know what America IS, what her
people think. what they are, what they
most cherish and hold dear. 1 hope
that some of their finer passions are in
my own heart-some of the great con-
ceptions and desires which gave birth
10 this government and which have
made the voice of this people a voice
of peace and hope and liberty among
the peoples of the world. and that.
speaking nv own thoughts. l shall. at
least in part, speak theirs also, how
ever family and inadequately, upon
this vital matter.
We are at peace With all the world
No one who speaks counsel based on
fact or drawn from n Just and candid
Interpretation of realities can say that
there is reason to fear that from any
quarter our independence or the integ-
rity OF our territory IS threatened.
Dread of the power or any other ma
ton we are incapable of. We are not
Jealous OF rivalry in the fields of COM
merce or of any other peaceful achieve
ment- We mean TO live our own lives
as we WILL but we mean also TO let
live We are. indeed. a true friend to
all the nations of the world. because
we threaten none. covet the posses
sions of none. desire the overthrow OF
none.
Our friendship can be accepted and
is accepted without reservation. be-
cause IL is offered in spirit and for
purpose which no one need ever
question or suspect Therein lies our
greatness. We are the champions of
peace and OF concord And we should
be very Jealous OF this distinction
which we have sought to earn. Just
l.
of II. because it is our dearest present
hope that this character and reputation
may presently, in Gods providence.
bring us an opportunity such as has
seldom been vouchsafed any nation.
the opportunity to counsel and obtain
peace in the world and reconciliation
and a healing settlement OF many a
matter that has cooled and interrupt
ed the friendship OF nations. This is
the time above all others when we
should wish and resolve TO keep our
by self possession. our infiu-
ence by preserving our ancient princi- !
pies OF action.
From the first we have had q clear
and settled policy with regard to mill |
tary establishments. We never have |
had and while we retain our present |
principles and ideals we never shnll |
have. Il large standing army. If asked. |
Are you ready TO defend yourselves? |
we reply. Most assuredly: to the mt |
most And yet we shall not turn /
A merica into n military camp. We !
Will not ask our young men TO spend |
he best years of their lives making |
soldiers of themselves There Is an
,ther sort of energy in MS. II will
know how TO declare itself ana make
tself effective should occasion arise
And especially when half the world Is
IN fire we shall be careful 70 make our
moral Insurance against the spread OF
he confaCratiOn gerry definite and GER
ain and adequate indeed
Let us remind ourselves. therefore. !
# the Only thing we can do or will do
We must depend in every time OF ma
ional peril. In the future as I'm the /
'ast. not upon 81 standing army nor yet
lpon reserve army. mt upon Il riti-
enry trained and accustomed 10 arms.
I will be right enough. right American
'oIicy. based upon our accustomed
und practices. to provide
ySteuI by which every citizen who
vii volunteer for the trimming may tie
made familiar with the use OF mudern
rms. the rudiinents or drill and ma
euver and the maintenance and san-
alton of camps. We should encourage
uch trainin. and make II means of
iscipline which our young men VIII
earn 10 value.
II is right that we should provide Il
az only but that we shunld make IL
: attractive as possible and 81 induce
ur yonng men 10 undergo IL AT such
mes lis they can command little
feedom and can seek the physical de
eiopment they need. for mere health's
axe. II for nothin. more. Every
ienns by which such things can lie
timulnted l. legitimate. and such "A
Iethod smacks or true American ideas.
Is right. too. that the national guard
I the states should be developed and
rengthened by every means which IL {
OF Inconsistent, with our obligations
, our own people or with the estau-