The Denison review., 1914-12-16
THE PRESIDENTS MESSAGE

The annual message of President
Wilson will scarcely rank as state
paper along side OF some OF his other
messages. He spends a good deal OF
time In congratulating the democratic
party on the legislation it has placed
upon the statute books regardless OF
the fact that great many people are
charging up the depression in business
and money stringency to the legisla-
tion which he congratulates his party
for enacting.
He devotes some time in his mes
sage to the question OF building up
our merchant marine and points out
that this is an opportune time for this
country to lay claim to South Ameri-
can trade. A man does not have to
be much of a statesman to grasp this
fact and reach the conclusion that
there never has been such an oppor-
tunfty for the United States to secure
control OF the South American trade
assat this very time. it has been our
misfortune in the past to purchase the
products of South America and pay
cnsii for them with which the people
OF that country make their purchases
in Europe The opportunities for keep
ing up this practice are cut off to our
southern neighbors by the war which
prevails in Europe and they naturally
turn to the United States as a market
In which to make their purchases.
The question is, will we take adyan-
tage Of this opportunity and build up
aEtrade with these countries?
~ 1t is realized that this can be done
by increasing our merchant marine
and Mr.. Wilson seems to favor this
being done. The democratic party is
SO hostile to anything in the nature
Of subsidies that it is difficult to per
suade 1t to offer inducements for men
Of large means to put their money
into ships to carry our produce into
other countries. If the experiment
isfonce tried the results will show
the wisdom OF so doing and the polit-
idal party that grasps the situation
and acts promptly in the premises
VIII win the applause of the American
people. We sincerely hope that the
democratic party will rise to the occa-
aion and take steps to secure the
trxde that is due us and will not per
nit It to be mOnopoliZed again by
European nations.
The Presidents message offers little
encouragement for Strengthening our
means of defense. 1t is recognized by
military men as we'll as civilians that
our country is in state of unpre-
paredness and that we could make bat
feeble resistace to an assault from q
foreign foe. Republicans In both the
house and senate have sought to have
Investigations made in order to as
certain the exact position In which we
hhd ourselves but the president with
his big stick is able to whip his demo-
cratic followers into line and, to have
voted down q resolution offered in
fSvor OF the investigation. 1t Is
ciaftned by the president that our
country would be in stronger posi-
ton % intercede or intervene between
the lhelligerent nations In Europe if
Aesare not ourselves engaged In
STRENGTHENING our means ofdefense. 1t
iS ssaid that Germany has already in
timated that she would not be inclin-
edat0 listen to suggestions in favor of
d cessation of hostilities coming from
tie United States because OF feeling
that the administration has disclosed
d leaning in favor ofathe allies. We
% not. know what there Is iii support
~ this claim or suggestion but we
bepe that the attitude Of this country
Will not prevent our being in posi-
,fiOn to extend our friendly offices
when the proper time comes toward
Ascnring peace between tho nations
now at war. 49, -