The citizen., 1914-12-11

An Important Duty.
But l 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 proflt-
able and useful commerce depends!
And how are we to get the ships II
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 matter of deep regret that the
difficulties of the subject have seemed
to render it impossible to complete
a bill for passage at this session. But
il cannot he nerfectnd vet
Economy Is Urged.
Before l close, may l 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 a 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 in
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 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 might
have been postponed or better and
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 of
application to particular cases.
The National Defense.
The other topic shall take leave to
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 first
answering some very searching ques-
tionS.
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
tion of men trained to arms? OF
course we are not ready 20 do that;
and we shall never be in time Of
peace so long as we retain our pres
ent political principles, and institu-
tions. And Lat is it that it is sug-
gested we should be prepared to do?
To defend ourselves against attack ?
We have always found means to do
that, and shall find them whenever it
is necessary without calling our peo-
pie away from their necessary tasks
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 based
on fact or drawn from a just and
candid Interpretation of realities
can say that there is reason for fear
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 in
the fields of commerce or of any other
peaceful achievement We mean to
live our lives as we will; but we mean
also to let live. We are, indeed, a
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 a purpose
which no one need ever question or
susnect Therein lies our preafness