The herald-advance. (Milbank, S.D.) 1890-1922, 1914-12-18

nave sought to earn. Just now we
should be particularly jealous Of it,
because it is our dearest present hope
taat thls character and reputation
may presently, in Gods providence,
pFlng US an opportunity to counsel
ana obtain peace in the world and
reconciliation and a healing settle
Naeht OF many a matter that has cooled
interrupted the friendship OF
nations. This is the time above all
others that we should wish and re-
soiVe TO keep our strength by self-pos-
session, our influence by preserving
our ancient principles of action.
Ready for Defense.
From the first we have had a clear
and settled policy with regard to
military establishments. We never
have had, and while we retain our
present principles and ideals we never
shall have, a large standing army.
II asked, are you ready to defend
yourselves? We reply, most assured
ly, to the utmost; and yet we shall
not turn America into a military
camp, We must depend in every time
OF national peril, in the future as in
the past. not upon q standing army,
nor yet upon q reserve army, but upon
a citizenry trained and accustomed
to arms. 1t will be right enough, right
American policy, based upon our ac-
customed principles and practices, to
provide a system by which every
citizen who viii volunteer for
the training may be made familiar
with the use of moiern arms, the rudl-
ments Of drill and maneuyer, and the
maintenance and sanitation of camps.
We should encourage such training
and make it a means of discipline
which our young men viii learn TO
value. The National Guard Of the
states should be developed and
strengthened by every means which is
not inconsistent with Jul obligations
to our own people or with he estab.
| lisbed policy of our government. And
this, also, nc because the time or oc.
casion specially calls for such meas
ures, but because it should be our
constant policy TO make these provi.
sions for our national peace and safe
~.
More than this carries with It a re
versal Of the whole history and char.
acter OF our polity. More than this.
, proposed at this time, permit me tc
say, would mean merely that we had
lost our self-possession, that we had
been thrown off our balance by a wa1
with which we have nothing to do
whose causes cannot touch lis. whose
very existence affords us opportun
tiles of friendship and disinterested
service which should make s
ashamed Of any thought Of hostility
or fearful preparation for trouble
This rs assuredly the opportunity fol
which people md a government like
ours were raised up, the opportunity
| not only to sneak but actually TO en-
body nd |cxempIify the counsels d
pence and ariity aud the lasting con
cord which is based on justice and faiI
and generous dealing.
Ships Our Natural Bulwarks.
4 powerful ravy we have always
regarded as oar roper and natura
means OF defense: and IL has always
been Of defense that We have thought
neyer Of aggression or Of conquest
But Who shall tell Bs now what -sort
of navy to build? We shall tahe leave
g De strong upon tile seas, in the
future as in the pest, and there viii
tie no thought of olense or Of provo
cation III that. Our ships are oul
natural balwarhs. When will the ex
perts tell US Just What kind we should
construct-a1a when will they be
right for ten years together. II the
relative efficiency OF craft of differ
Glt kinds and uses continues tc
change as W have seen It change
under our very eyes il these last
few months?
But | turn away from the subject
It is not new. There is no new need
70 discuss it. Let there be no miseon
ception. The country has been misin
formed. We have not been negligent
of national defense. We are not un
mindful Of the great responsibility
resting upon us. we Shall learn and
profit by the lesson of every expert
ence and every new circumstances:
and what is needed will be adequately
done.
Great Duties of Peace.
close, as | began, ~ reminding
you Of the great tasks and duties OF
peace which challenge our best powers
ard invite us TO build what will last
the tasks to which we can address
ourselves now and at all times the
~free-hearted zest and with all the finest
gifts OF constructive wisdom we DOS.
sess. To develop our life and our re.
sources; to supply u own people. and
the people Of the world as their need
arises, from the abundant plenty OF
our fields and our marts of trade; to
enrich h commerce of our " states
and Of the world with the products Of
our mines, u farms, and our fac
tories, with the creations OF our
H. a4