Omaha daily bee., 1914-12-09

the friendship OF nations. This is the
time above all others when we should
wish and resolve TO keep our strength by
selt-possession. our influence by preserv-
ing our ancient principles of action.
Large Army Not Necessary.
From the first We have had a clear and
settled policy with regard to military
establishments. We never have had, and
while we retain our present principles
and ideals we never shall have, large
standing army. II asked, Are you ready
to defend yourself9 we reply. Most as
suredly to the utmost and yet we shall
not turn America into a military camp.
We will not ask our young men 10 spend
tho best years OF their lives making
soldiers OF themselves. There is another
sort of energy In us IL will know how
TO declare itself and make itself effective
should occasion arise. And especially
when half the world ls on fire we shall
be careful to make our moral insurance
against the spread OF the conflagration
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
upon standing army, nor yet upon
reserve army, but upon citizenry
trained and accustomed 20 arms II will
he right enough. right American policy.
based upon our accustomed principles and
practice, TO provide n system by which
every citizen who will volunteer for the
training may be made familiar with the
use OF modern. arms. the rudlments OF
AYsfn nj N..ta
and sanitation OF camps. We should on
courage such tAining and make II a
means OF discipline which our young men
will learn TO value 1t Is right that we
should provide It not only, but that we
should make II as attractive as possible
and so induce our young men 10 undergo
II at such times as they can command
little freedom and can Beck the physical
development they need for mere health's
sake. II for nothing more Every means
by which such things can be stimulated is
legitimate and such method smacks
OF true American IDEAS II Is right too
that the National Guard OF the states
should he developed and strengthened by
every means which is not inconsistent
with our obligations to our own people
or with the established policy OF our
anu Nhib, dlsNt nut utNduec
the time or occasion specially calls for
such measures, but because It should he
our constant policy to make these provi-
slons for our national peace and safety.
Would Not Reverse Policy.
More than this carries with II re-
versal of the whole history and character
OF our polty. 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
nothing to do, whose causes cannot touch
us, whose very existence affords us OPP
portunities OF friendship and dislnterested
service which should make us ashamed
of any thought of hostility or fearful
preparation for trouble. This Is assuredly
the opportunity not only to speak but &C
tually to embody and exemplify the coun-
sells of peace and amity and the lasting
concord which is based on justice and
fair and generous dealing.
A powerful navy we have always re-
garded as our proper and natural means
OF defense; and IT has always been of
defense that we have thought never of
aggression or of conquest But who shall
tell us now what sort of navy to build7
We shall take leave to be strong upon
the seas in the future as in the past;
and there will be no thought of offense
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, II the relative eff
ficiency Of craft OF different kinds and
uses continues to change as we have
seen 1t change under our very eyes In
these last few months?
Duties of Peace.
But l turn away from the subject 1t is
not new. There Is no new need to discuss
1t, We shall not alter our attitude toward
II because some amongst us are nervous
and excited, We shall easily and sensibly
agree upon a policy of defense. The quep-
ton has not changed its aspects because
the times are not normal. Our policy will
not be for an occasion. II will be con-
ceived as a permanent and settled thing,
which we will pursue at all seasons,
without haste and after a fashion per-
fectly 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 miscon-
ception. The country has been msin-
formed We have not been negligent of
national defense. We are not unmindful
OF the great responsibility resting upon
us. We shall learn and profit by the
lesson of every experience and every
new circumstance; and what 10 needed
Will be adequately done.
close. as ] tegan, by reminding you
of the great tasks and duties of peace
which challenge our best powers and in
vite us TO build what will last, the tasks
TO which we can address ourselves now
and at all times with free-hearted zest
and with ell the finest gifts OF construo-
tive wisdom we possess To develop our
life and our resources; TO supply our own
people and the people OF the world as their
need arises. from the abundant plenty Of
our fields and our marts OF trade; TO
enrich the commerce OF our own states
and Of the world with the products Of
our mines our farms and our factories,
with the creations of our thought and
the fruits OF our characteristics is what
will hold our attention and our enthusi-
asm steadily, now and In the years TO
come, as we strive to show in our life
as a nation what liberty and the inspira-
lions Of an emancipated spirit may do
for men and for societies, for individuals
for states and for mankind.