Meade County news., 1914-12-17


Dor.
An important Duty.
But think that you will agree
with me that this does not complete
the toll of our duty How are we to
carry our goods to the empty markets
Of which have spoken If we have
not the certain and constant means
of transportation upon which all profit
able and useful commerce depends?
And how are we to get the ships il
we wait for the trade to develop with
out them?
The routes of trade must be actually
opened--by many ships and regular
sailings and moderate charges-before
streams of merchandise will flow free
ly and profitably through them.
Must Open Gates of Trade.
Hence the pending shipping bill,
discussed at the last session, but as
yet passed by neither house In my
judgment such legislation is impera-
lively needed and cannot wisely be
postponed. The government must
open these gates of trade. very earn
estly hope that the congress will adopt
this exceedingly important bill.
The great subject Of rural credits
still remains to be dealt with, and
it is a matter of deep regret that the
difficulties of the subject have seemed
to render it impossible to complete
bill for passage at this session. But
it cannot be perfected yet.
Economy Is Urged.
Before | close, may | say a few
words upon two topics. much dis
cussed out of doors, upon which it is
highly important that our judgments
should be clear, definite and steadfast.
One of these is economy in govern
ment expenditures.
The sort of economy we ought to
practice may be effected, and ought to
be effected, by careful study and
assessment of the tasks to be per
formed; and the money spent ought
to be made to yield the best possible
returns in efficiency and achievement
And, like good stewards, we should
so account for every dollar of our ap
preparations as to make it perfectly
evident what it was spent for and III
what way it was spent.
1t is not expenditure but extrava
gance that we should fear being criti
cized for; not paying for the legiti
mate enterprises and undertakings oi
great government whose people
command what it should do, but add
ing what will benefit only a few OF
pouring money out for what need moi
have been undertaken at all or might
have been postponed or better ant
more economically conceived and car
ried out. The nation is not Liggardly
it is very generous. 1t will chide us
only If we forget for whom we pay
money out and whose money it is We
pay.
These are large and general stand
ards, but they are not very difficult o.
application to particular cases.
The. National Defense.
The other topic shall take leave tt
mention goes deeper into the princi
pies of our national life and policy.
1t is the subject of national defense
It cannot be discussed without frs
answering some very searching ques
| tions.
1t is said in some quarters that W.
| Whof X
meant by being prepared? Is it mean
that we are not ready upon brief no
tice to put nation in the field, ma
ton of men trained to arms? O
course we are not ready 20 do that
and we shall never be in time o.
peace so long as we retain our pres
ent political principles, and institu
tions. And . lat is 1t that it is sug
gested we should be prepared to do
To defend ourselves against attack
We have always found means to dC
that, and shall find them whenever 4
is necessary without calling our peo
pie away from their necessary task
| to render compulsory military service
in times of peace.
Fear No Nation.
We are at peace with Ill the world
No one who speaks counsel baset
on fact or drawn from a just ant
candid Interpretation of realities
can say that there is reason for feal
that from any quarter our indepen
dence or the integrity of our territory
is threatened. Dread of the power
of any other nation we are incapable
Of We are not jealous of rivalry il
the fields of commerce or of any othel
peaceful achievement We mean tt
live our lives as we will; but we mear
also to let live. We are. indeed, 6
true friend to all the nations of the
world. because we theraten none
covet the possessions of none, desire
the overthrow of none. Our friend
! ship can be accepted and is accepted
without reservation, because it is of
fered in spirit and for purpose
which no one need ever question oil
suspect. Therein lies our greatness
We are the champions of peace an6