The Wahpeton times. [volume] (Wahpeton, Richland County, Dakota [N.D.]) 1879-1919, 1914-12-10
PRESIDENT OPPOSED TO
BIG STANDING ARMY.
Speaks Plainly and Directly on Cues.
ton Of National pefensss.

Speaks Plainly and Directly on Cues.
ton Of National Dsfsnsss.
The other topic shall take leave
to mention goes deeper into the prin-
ciples of our national life and policy.
1t Is the subject Of national defense.
1t cannot be discussed without first
answering some very searching ques-
lions. 1t is said in some quarters that
we are not prepared for war. What is
meant by being prepared? Is it meant
that we are not ready upon brief no.
tce to put nation in the field, q ma
ton Of men trained to arms? 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 it is suggested we
should be prepared to do-to defend
ourselves against attack7 We have al
ways found means to do that and
shall find them whenever It IL 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. have tiled
to know what America =, what her
people think, what they are, what they
most cherish and hold dear. hone
that some Of their finer passions are in
my own heart-some Of the great con-
ceptions and desires which gave birth
to this government and which have
made the voice Of this people a voice
Sees pesea and hope and liberty among
tie peoples Of the world, and that,
speaking my own thoughts, shall, at
least In part, speak theirs also, how.
ever family and inadequateIy, upon
this vital matter.
We are at peace With oil the world.
No one who speaks counsel based on
fact o. drawn from a Just and candid
Interpretation Of realities can cay that
there 70 reason TO fear that from any
quarter our Independence or the integ.
ri1 OF our territory 10 threatened.
Dread Of the power Of any other ma
don 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
% We will. but we mean also to let
live. We are. indeed, q true friend to
all the nations Of tho 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 1t 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
now we should be particularly Jealous
of 1t, 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 healing settlement Of many q
matter that has cooled and interrupt
ed the friendship Of nations. This 10
the time above all others when We
should wish and resolve to keep our
strength By self possession, our influ.
enc0 bY neAaAPVinO ns,p snnaank v.xanel