The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1914-12-10

creased about 20 per cent The rate
for alcoholism is the lowest since
1873. The health OF troops i'm camps
over a long period OF time has been
extraordinarily good on account or
the high efficiency OF camp sanitation.
That the system OF disciplinary
ieompanies which has been establish
ed bids fair 10 be very successful;
that "A large part OF the army has oeen
occupied In actual feld service at
Galveston. Vera Cruz, all along the
Mexican border, and in Colorado and
Arkansas. The character OF this duty
in each instance vas similar and was
OF an exceedingly difficult kind IN
some respects even more difficult than
actual warfare. Ii called for patti
ence, self-control. discretion, and
good Judgment under very trying con-
ditions, and required implicit obedi-
ence 10 orders-a prime military ne
cessity. The fact that this duty was
everywhere dope In an exceptional
manner and without untoward Incl
dent is gratifying In the highest de-
gree and deserves recognition as dir.
tcult service extremely well render
ed. OF somewhat similar charac-
ter was the work carried on in
Europe by the officers sent over 10
aid the Americans marooned there
because OF the European war Their
service was done In manner 10 re-
feet credit on themselves and the
army. and Il Is reckoned as OF sim
liar high character TO that just men
toned.
The student camps were very sue
cessful and bid fair TO be more SO and
undoubtedly can and should be deveh
oped into a most valuable assistance.
IL also seems proper in passing, 10
refer 10 the frame OF mind OF those
who use the word ''militarismr as the
embodiment OF the doctrine OF brute
force and loosely apply II TO. any or
gained preparation OF military force.
and therefore deprecate any adequate
military preparation because II is a
step In the direction OF the condemned
"militarism."
Every nation must have adequate
force TO protect Itself from domestic
Instructions. TO enforce its laws, and
to repel invasion: that is, every ma
ton that has similar characteristics
to those OF self-respecting man.
tThe constitution obliges the United
States TO protect each state against
invasion.) II IL prepares and main
tains more military force than is nee
essary for the purposes just named.
then II Is subject 10 the conviction,
in the public opinion OF the world, OF
having embraced "militarism," unless
IL intends aggression for a cause
which the public opinion OF the world
conceives TO be righteous one. To
the extent, however. that II confines
It's military preparedness TO the pur-
poses FIRST mentioned. there Is neither
warrant not justification In character
izing such action as. "militarSm.
Whatever the future may hold In
the way OF agreements between ma
tions. followed by actual disarmament
thereof. OF international courts OF ar
/and other greatly-to-be-de-
sired measures TO lessen or prevent
conflict between nation and nation.
we all know that at present these
are not existing We can
and will eagerly adapt ourselves TO
each beneficent development along
these lines: but TO merely enfeeole
ourselves in the meantime would, In
NV view. be unthinkable folly BY
n eglecting and refusing 10 provide
ourselves with the necessary means
OF self-protection and self-defense we
could not hasten or In any way favor
ably influence the ultimate results We
desire in these respects"