The Bamberg herald. [volume] (Bamberg, S.C.) 1891-1972, 1914-12-17

moral insurance against the spread
of the confagration very definite
and certain and adequate indeed.
Let us remind ourselves, therefore,
of the only thing we can 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 up
on a citizenry trained and accustom-
ed to arms. 1t will be right enough,
right American policy, based upon
our accustomed principles and prac-
tees, to provide system by which
every citizen who will volunteer for
the training may be made familiar
with the use of modern arms, the
rudiments of drill and manoeuvre
and the maintenance and sanitation
of camps. We should encourage such
training and make it means of dis
cipline which our young men Will
learn to value. It is right that We
should provide it not only, but that
we should make it as attractive as
possible, and so induce our young
men to undergo it at such times as
they can command a little freedom
and can seek the physical develop
ment they need, for mere health's
sake, if for nothing more. Every
means by which such things can be
stimulated is legitimate, and such
a methods smacks of true American
ideas. 1t is right, too, that the ma
tional guard of the States should be
developed and strengthened by every
means which is consistent with
our obligations to our own people or
with the established policy of our
government. And this, also, not be-
cause the time or occasion specially
calls for such measures, but because
it should be our constant policy 10
make these provisions for our nation
al peace and safety.
More than this carries with it a
reversal of the whole history and
character of our policy. More than
this proposed at this time, permit
me to say, would mean merely that
We had lost our self-possession, that
we had been thrown off our balance
by war with which we have MOTH
ing to do, whose causes cannot touch
US, whose very existence affords us
opportunities of friendship and dis
interested service, which should
make us ashamed of any thought OF
hostility or fearful preparation for
trouble. This is assuredly the oppor-
tunity for which people and a gov
ernment like ours were raised up
the opportunity not only to speak
but actually to embody and exempll-
fy, the counsels of peace and amity
and the lasting concord which is
based on justice and fair and gener-
Gus dealing.
The Navy.
A powerful navy we have always
regarded as our proper and natural
means of defence, and it has always
been of defence that we have thought.
never of aggression or of conquest.
But who shall tell us now what sort
of navy to build? We shall take
leave to be strong upon the seas in
the future, as in the past, and there
will be no thought of offence or OF
provocation in that. Our ships are
our natural bulwarks. When will
the experts tell US just what kind we
should construct-and when Will
they be right for ten years together,
if the relative efficiency of craft OF
different kinds and uses continues
to change as we have seen it change
right under our very eyes in these
last few months?
But | turn away from the subject.
1t is not new. There is no new need
to discuss it. We shall not alter our
attitude toward it because some
amongst us are nervous and excited.
We shall easily and sensibly agree
upon a policy Of defence. The ques-
ton has not changed its aspects be-
cause the times are not normal. Our
policy will not be for an occasion. IL
will be conceived as a permanent
and settled thing, which we will pur-
sue at all seasons, without haste and
after a fashion perfectly consistent
with the peace of the world, the
abiding friendship of States and the
unhampered freedom of all with
whom we deal. Let there be no mis-
conception. The country has been
misinformed. We have not been
negligent of national defence. We
are not unmindful Of the great re-
sposibility resting upon us. We shall
,o,., ond profit nv tho lesson of