The Tulsa star. [volume] (Tulsa, Okla.) 1913-1921, 1914-12-12

jealous OF this distinction which We
have sought to earn. Just now we
should be particularly Jealous OF 1t.
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 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.
II asked, are you ready to defend
yourselves? We reply. most assured
ly, to the utmost; and yet we shall
not turn America into a military
camp. We must depend in every time
of national peril, in the future as in
the past, not upon standing army
ror yet upon reserve army, but upon
citizenry trained and accustomed
to arms. 1t 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 M dern arms, the rudi-
ments OF drill and maneuver, and the
maintenance and sanitation OF camps.
| We should encourage such training
and make II a means OF discipline
which our young men will learn 10
value. The National Guard OF the
| states should be developed ana
strengthened by every means which Is
| not inconsistent with our obligations
to our own people or with the estab-
lished policy of our government. And
this, also, not because the time or oc-
casion specially calls for such meas
ures, but because 1t should be our
constant policy to make these provi-
sions for our national peace and safe
| ty.
More than this carries with 1t 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 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 fol
which C. people and 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 fail
and generous dealing.
Ships Our Natural Bulwarks.
A powerful navy we have always
regarded as our proper and natural
means of defense; and ii 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 ouI
natural bulwarks. When will the ex
perts tell US just what kind we should
construct-and when will they be
right for ten years together, IL the
relative efficiency of craft of differ
Ont kinds and uses continues to
change as we have seen II change
under our very eyes in these last
few months?
But ! turn away from the subject.
It is not new. There is no new need
to discuss 1t. 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.
close. as | began, by reminding
you of the great tasks and duties OF
peace which challenge our best powers
| and invita- N m huti1 uuh hot x.,iIl Io