The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1914-12-11

nave sought TO earn. just now we
should be particularly jealous Of 1t.
because it 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 a healing settle
ment of many a matter that has cooled
and interrupted the friendship Of
nations. This is the time above all
others that we should wish and re-
solve to keep our strength by self-pos-
session, our influence by preserving
our ancient principles of action.
Ready for Defense.
|, From the first we have had 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.
If asked, are you ready to defend
yourselves? We reply. most assured
ly, to the utmost; and yet we shall
not turn America into military
camp. We must depend in every time
Of national peril, in the future as in
the past, not upon a standing army,
nor yet upon reserve army, but upon
a citizenry trained and accustomed
to arms It will be right enough, right
American policy, based upon our ac-
customed principles and practices. to
provide a system by which every
citizen who will volunteer for
the training may be made familiar
with the use of NJ dern arms, the rudi-
ments Of drill and maneuver,a and the
maintenance and sanitation Of camps.
We should encourage such training
and make it means of discipline
which our young men will learn to
value. The National Guard OF the
states should be developed and
strengthened by every means which is
not inconsistent with our obligations
to our own people or with the estab-
lished policy of our government eAnd
this, also, nct because the time or oc-
casion specially calls for such meas
ures, but because it should be our
constant policy to make these provi-
sions for. our national peace and safe
ty. 4
More than this carries with it a re-
versal of the whole history and char
acter of our polity. 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 a war
] with which we have nothing to do,
whose causes cannot touch US. whose
very existence affords us opportun-
tiles of friendship and disinterested
| service which should make Is
| ashamed of any thought of hostility
| or fearful preparation, for trouble.
This is assuredly the opportunity for
| which c people and a government like
! ours were raised up, the opportunity
not only to speak but actually to en-
body and exemplify the counsels of
peace and amity and the lasting con-
| cord which is based on justice and fair
and generous dealing.
| Ships Our Natural 5uIwarks.
A powerful navy we have always
regarded 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 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 offense or of provo
cation in that. Our ships are our
natural bulwarks. When will the ex-
perts tell Us just what kind we should
construct when will they be
right for ten years together. if the
relative efficiency of craft of differ
ont kinds and uses continues to-
change as we have seen it change
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. Let there be no miscon-
ception. The country has been misin-
formed We have not been negligent
of national defense. We are not un
mindful Of the great responsibility
resting upon us. We shall learn and
profit by the lesson of every expert
| ence and every new circumstances:
and what is needed will be adequately
done.
Great Duties Of Peace.
l close, as l began, by reminding
you of the great tasks and duties Of
peace which challenge our best powers
and invite US to build what will last,
the tasks to which we can address
ourselves now and at all times the
free-hearted zest and with all the finest
gifts of constructive wisdom we pos.
sess. To develop our life and our re-
sources; 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 fac