Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1914-12-09

method smaeks Of true American
ideas.
Develop National Guard.
Ii is right, too, that the National
Guard of the states should be devel-
oped and strengthened by every
means which Is not Inconsistent with
our obligations TO our own people or
with the established policy of our
government. And this. also. not be-
cause the time or occasion specially
calls for such measures, but because
1t should be our constant policy 70
make these provisions for our national
peace and safety
More than this carries with il a
reversal Of the whole history and
character of our policy. More thtn
this, proposed at this time, permit me
to say, would mean merely that we
had lost our 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 Op-
portunities of friendship and disinter-
ested service which should make us
ashamed of any thought Of hostility
or fearful preparation for trouble.
This is assuredly the opportunity for
which a people and a government like
ours were raised up, the opportunity
not only to speak but actually to en-
body and exemplfy the counsels OF
peace and amity and the lasting con-
cord which is based on justice and
fair and generous dealing.
"a powerful navy we have always
regarded as our proper and natural
means of defense, and 1t 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 fu-
ture as in the past, and there viii be
no thought of offense or OF provoca-
tion in that Our ships are our nac-
ural 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 different
kinds and uses continues 10 cnange as
we have seen 1t change under our very
eyes in these last few months?
Not New Subject.
But turn away from the subject.
It is not new, There Is no new need
to discuss it. We shall not alter our
attitude toward IL because some
amongst us are nervous and excited.
We shall easily and sensibly agree up
on q policy Of defense. The question
has not changed its aspect because the
times are not normal. Our policy VIII |
not be for an occasion. 1t Will be
conceived as a permanent and settled I
thing, which we will pursue at all sea-
sons, without haste and after a fash
ion perfectly consistent with the peace
of the world, the abiding friendship
of states. and the unhampered free-
dom of all with whom we deal. Let
there be no misconception. The
country has been misinformed. We
have not been negligent of national
defense. We are not unmindful OF
the great responsibility resting up
Dn us. We shall learn and profit by
the lesson of every experience ana
every new circumstance and what IS
needed will be adequately done"
To peace in Europe the president I
referred briefly we are the cham
Dions of peace and of concord, he
aid. "And we should be very Jeal-
)us Of this distinction which we nave
sought to earn. Just now we should
De particularly jealous Of 1t because
/ is our dearest present hope that
his character and reputation may
in Gods providence, bring
is an opportunity such as has seldom
been vouchsafed any nation, the OPP
oortunity to counsel and obtain peace
n the world and reconciliation and
healing settlement of many a matter
.ba, has cooled and interrupted the
friendship of nations. This is the
ime above all others when we shoulu
wish and resolve to keep our strength
,v self-possession, our influence by III
preserving our ancient principles OF
iction."
other than as above outlined Presi-
lent Wilson spoke as follows:
The Message in Full.
Gentlemen of the congress-ihe
ession upon which you are now en- '
ering win be the closing session OF
he sixty-third congress, a congress-
venture to say. which will be long
for the great body OF :
houghfful and constructive WORK
,hjcb it has done. in loyal response
, the thought and needs of the coun-
ry | should like in this address TO-