The Bamberg herald. [volume] (Bamberg, S.C.) 1891-1972, 1914-12-17
THE PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.
CONTINUED from page 3, column p

the tasks to be performed; and the
money spent ought to be made to
yield the best possible returns in ef-
ficiency and achievement And, like
good stewards, We should so account
for every dollar of our appropria-
tions as to make it perfectly evident
what it was spent for and in what
way it was spent.
1t is not expenditure but eXtrava-
gance that we should fear being criti-
cised for; not paying for the legiti-
mate enterprises and undertakings
of a great government whose people
command what it should do, but add
ing what will benefit only a few or
pouring money out for what need
not have been undertaken at all or
and more economically conceived and
carried out. The nation is not mig
gardly; 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 standards, but they are not
very difficult of application to par
ticular cases.
The other topic l shall take leave
to mention goes deeper into the prin-
ciples of our national life and policy.
1t is the subject of national defence.
National Defence.
1t cannot be discussed without
first answering some very searching
questions. 1t is said in some quar-
ters that we are not prepared for
war. What is meant by being pre-
pared? Is it meant that we are not
ready upon brief notice to put ma
tion in the field, a nation 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 political prir-
ciples and institutions. And what is
it that it is suggested we should be
prepared to do? To defend our
selves against attack? We have al
ways found means to do that, and
shall find them whenever it 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
plainness and directness upon this
great matter and to avow my con-
victions with deep earnestness.
have tried to know what America
is, what her people think, what they
are, what they most cherish and hold
dear. | hope that some of their finer
passions are in my own heart-some
of the great conceptions and desires
which gave birth to 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 my own
thoughts, shall, at least in part.
speak theirs also, however 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 just and candid
Interpretation of realities can say
that there is reason to fear that from
any quarter our independence or the
integrity Of our territory is threat
ened. Dread of the power of any
other nation We are incapable of. We
are not jealous of rivalry in the fields
Of commerce or of any other peace
full achievement. We mean to live
our own lives as we will; but we
mean also to let live. We are, in
deed, true friend to all the nations
Of the world, because We threaten
none, covet the possessions of none,
desire the overthrow of none. Our
friendship can be accepted and is ac-
cepted without reservation. because
it is offered in spirit and for a pur-
pose which no one need ever question
or suspect. Therein lies our great
ness. 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 jeal-
Gus of it, 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 coun-
sci and obtain peace in the world
and reconciliation and a healing set
tlement of many a matter that has
called and interrupted the friendship
of nations. This is the time above
all others when we should wish ano
.o1f