Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1914-12-16


crease OF expense.
The sort VI 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 APP
preparations as to make II 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 viii 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 niggardly;
It is very generous. 1t will chide us
only if we forget for whom we pay
money out and whose money 1t 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.
II 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
tice to put nation in the field, ma
ton 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 pres
ent political principles. and institu-
tons. And what 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.
Allow me to speak with great plain
ness and directness upon this great
matter and to avow my convictions
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.
Fear No Nation.
We are at peace with all 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 threaten 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 a spirit and for a purpose
which no one need ever question or
suspect. Therein lies our greatness.
We are the champions of peace and
of concord And we should be very
jealous of this distinction whicn We
have sought to earn. Just =oH We
should be particularly jealous Of it.
because 1t is our dearest present hope
that this character and reputation
may presently. in Gods providence,
bring us an opportunity to counsel
and obtain peace in the world and
reconciliation and healing sStle-
ment of many matter that has cooled
and interrupted the friendship OF
nations. This is the time above all
others when we should wish and re-
solve to keep our strength by self S3s-
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 -
military establishments. We nevus.
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 q military
camp. We will not ask our young
men to spend the best years Of their
lives making soldiers Of themselves.
There is another sort OF energy In us.
II will know how to declare itself and
mako itself effective shouid ncnaaioy,