Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1914-12-09
Tho Presidents Message

DRESIDENT WILSON'S message to the
Congress, which he delivered in person
yesterday before the Senate and House of
Representatives, is an eloquent and noble ex-
preston of his country's sentiment and as
piration. No loyal American can read It's
measured and stately periods without thrill
Of just pride that, of the land he loves, 80
much in the best sense inspiring can be
truly said
The message is rebuke to mad lingo and
impracticable pacifcist alike. dread of the
power Of any other nation says the Presi-
dent, 1--WE are incapable Of We are not
jealous Of rivalry in the fields of commerce
or Of any other peaceful achievement. We
mean to live our lives as we will; but
we mean also to let live. We are, indeed,
true friend to all the nations Of the world,
because we threaten none, coyet the posses
sons of none, desire the overthrow of none.
Our friendship can he accepted, and is ac-
cepted without reservation, because it is Of
fered in spirit and for n purpose which no
one need ever question or suspect Therein
lies our greatness
No spokesman of American ideals has given
them finer expression In this para graph Mr..
Wilson sums up the true foreign and mill
tary policy Of government erected on a
foundation of liberty and equality. We fear
none; we would be friends with ALL We con-
template no aggression, and to defend our
selves against attack, as the President says in
another place, we have always found means
without calling our people away from their
necessary tasks to render compulsory mill
tary service in times Of peace
Mr.. Wilson believes in a strong navy, and
that our standing army should be kept in
the highest condition Of preparedness and eff
fciency He believes in making military
training attractive, so that as many young
Americans as possible may receive It's benefits
and be equipped to impart its lessons to
others. All this. he says, the fathers taught;
1t inheres in the very origin and in all the
history of our national structure
He is unmoved by the jingoes' perfervid
opaganda-content that they, like the
heather, shall rage and imagine vain
things" So is the great body of the people
The President urges forcefully the adop-
ton of the measures now pending for the in
crease of the merchant marine and for the
establishment of sane and helpful policy
of conservation. He speaks in behalf of the
bill comforting larger degree of self-govern-
ment on the people Of the Philippines. He
pleads that provision be made for the survey
and charting of our coasts, especially that of
Alaska. He bespeaks approval by the Senate
of the international convention for assuring
safety at sea. He insists on wise economy,
as contrasted with foolish and stupid parsi-
mony, in the conduct Of government
Surely partisanship should not cavil nor
carking envy bark and snarl at a legislative
program so inspired. 1t is too much to hope
probably, that Senator Lodge, or Representa-
tive Gardner, or any Of the other eaters,
will be satisfied with the Presidents pre-
paredness policy, or that Colonel Roosevelt
will be pleased by anything he says, but the
nation as n whole will feel differently. 1t
will recognize In this message again to use
the Presidents words, some Of the great con-
ceptions and desires which gave birth to this
government, and which have made the voice
of this people voice of peace and hope and
liberty among the peoples of the world"