Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1914-12-09
lsv MORNING JOURNAL s-se,al LEASED w,ssl


Washington, Dec. S.-Presldcnt WI
son. in his annual address to congress
today, gave his answer to those who
contend the United States is unpre-
pared for national defense.
Let there be no msconception,"
he said, the country has been mis-
informed. We have not been negli-
gent of national defense. We are not
unmindful of the great responsibility
resting upon us. We shall learn and
profit by the lesson of every expert
encc and every rev circumstance;
and what is needed will be adequate
ly done"
Assembled in joint session in the
hall Of the house, senators and repre-
sentatives heard the president, read
ing his address in person from the
clerks desk, outline the administra-
tion legislative program and voice a
ferycnt hope that the United States
might be instrumental In bringing
peace to Europe. The legislative pro-
gram includes passage of the eonserv-
alton bills, the bills for ultimate in
dependence of the Philippines. rati-
fieation OF the London convention for
the safety at sea, a government own
ed merchant marine, chartlng the
perlous waters of the Alaskan coast
and measures for economy In all
branches of the government.
But the portion of the presidents
address which commanded intense in
terest was that in which he discussed
the subject Of national defense.
Tho National Defense.
1T is said in some quarters that
we are not prepared for war" said the
president. What is meant by being
prepared? Is 1t meant that we are
not ready upon brief notice to put q
nation 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 princi-
pies and institutions And what Is il
that ii Is suggested we should be pre-
pared to do? To defend ourselves
against attack We have always
found means to do that. and shall find
them whenever ii Is necessary without
calling our people away from their
necessary tasks to render compulsory
military service In times of peace.
From the first we have had clear |
and settled policy with regard to mill
tary establishments. We never have
had, and while we retain our present |
principles and ideals we never shall
have, large standing army. If ask
ed. Are you ready TO defend your
selves?' We reply, Most assuredly, to |
the utmost and yet we shall not turn
America into military camp. We
will not ask our young men to spend /
the best years of their lives making
soldiers of themselves. There Is an
other sort of energy in US It will
know how to declare itself and make
itself effective should occasion arise.
And especially when half the world Is
ON fire we shall be careful to make
our moral insurance against the
spread of the conflagration very defi-
mite and certain and adequate indeed.
Let us remind ourselves, Therefore.
OF the only thing we cai do or Will
do. We must depend in every time OF
national peril. in the future as in the
past, not upon standing army, nor
yet upon a reserve army, but upon \
citizenry trained and accustomed
TO arms. 1t will be right enough,
right American policy. based upon our
accustomed principles and practices
10 provide a system by which every
citizen who will volunteer for the
training may be made familiar with
the use OF modern arms the rudl-
Hents Of drill and mancuver. and the
maintenance and sanitation of camps.
we should encourage such training
ana make 1t a means of discipline
winch our young men will learn TO
value. II is right that we should
provide 1t not only. but that we should
make 1t as attractive as possible, and
so induce our young men TO undergo
u at such times as they can command
u little freedom and can seek the ply
sical development they need, for mere (
heaith's sake, if for nothing more. Ev-
cry means by which such things car
oe stimulated is legitimate. and such s
- .