Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1915-10-06
PRESIDENT URGES
ADEQUATE DEFENSE
Tells Navy Advisory Board
S. Should Be Prepared,
But Not for War.
SAYS ARMY AND NAVY
MUST HAVE COOPERATION
Secretary Daniels, in Speaking to
Members, Cites Greatest Needs
at This Time.

clared that the whole nation was
convinced that we ought to be
prepared, not for war, but for de-
Tense, and very adequately pre-
pared"
The President received the
members of the board, headed by
Chairman Thomas A. Edison,
after they had been received in
the Office of Secretary Daniels,
who told the scientists that the
great need of the navy is greater
research and laboratory facilities,
and specifically mentioned the
need for a better motor for air
craft and submarines.
The President shook hands
with the members, and then ad-
dressed them, saying:
Should Prepare for Defense.
II think the whole nation is con-
WINGED that We ought to be prepared.
not for war. but for defense, and very
adequately prepared. and that the
preparation for defense is not merely
technical matter: 1t is not mat
ter that the army and navy alone can
we must have the cooperation Of the
best brains and knowledge of the
country outside the Official service
Of the government as well as inside.
For my part I feel that 1t 10 only
in the spirit Of true democracy that
we get together to lend each other vol
untary aid, the sort Of aid that comes
from interest. from a knowledge of the
varied circumstances that are involved
in handling a nation.
Il want you to feel, those Of you who
are coming to the assistance Of the
that we have a very serious purpose,
that we have not asked you to asso-
ciate yourself with US except for a
very definite and practical purpose. to
pendent thought as to how we ought
to make ready for any duty that may
fall upon the nation.
Spirit Ono Of Peace.
II do not have to expound 1t to you;
you know as well as I do the spirit Of
America Tho spirit Of America il one
Of peace. but one of Independence.
TT IL q spirit that is profoundly con-
cerned with peace, because 1t can ex-
press itself best only in peace. It is
Of human freedom: but it is also the
spirit Of a nation that Is self-conscious.
that knows and loves its mission in the
world. and that knows that it must
command the respect Of the world.
$50 it seems to me that we are not
working as those who would change
anything in America, but only as those
who would safeguard everything In
America. I know that you will enter
into conference with the officers OF the
navy in that spirit and with that feel
Ing, and 1t makes me proud. gentle
men, that the busy men of America.
the men who stand at the front Of their
professions, should be willing in thii
way to associate themselves volun-
tarily with the government in the task
In which IT needs all sorts Of expert
and serious advice. Nothing ought to
be done in this country by any single
group OF persons-everything ought to
be done by all of US united together
and I welcome this association in the
most serious and grateful spirit"
Welcomed by Secretary Daniels.
Secretary Daniels welcomed the men,
beers of the board who gathered in his
ONCE, with Thomas A. Edison as chair
man. In the first meeting of the under
taking to add the wisdom of all Ameri-
can science to the sea strength Of this
nation.
Particularly did he impress on the
scientists the need of a motor for aero
planes and submersibles. That. he said
is the nayy's greatest present need
He asked them for their advice as to
complete laboratory and research
work.
Later the board went to the White
House, where the President received
the members; and still later they wen,
to Indian Head aboard the Mayflower
where an inspection was made of the
powder works and gun testing.
Secretary Daniels. IN opening his
speech, reminded the scientists and in
ventors that the old order of nava
theories are crum bling daily into dust
He spoke Of tho manner in which the
idea Of forming q board of civilian
scientist advisers for the navy came
into his mind:
Impressed with Mr.. Edison's View
IT was impressed" he said. with the
interview Of Mr.. Edison with Edward
Marshall. which appeared in a New
York newspaper. In that interview
which has become famous. Mr.. Edison
stated he would not use his knowledge
to add to the terrors of war. But. HI
added. II his own country needed hi.
inventive genius to make it safe from
attack he vou.a readily respond to any
call made upon him."
ct have asked you to leave you
homes and places Of business" he con.
tinued, ito stop the important labor
you are performing, to counsel will
us for the strengthening Of the navy
We may not expect now to build tht
biggest navy in the world, but with
your help we must have a navy ever
unit of which shall be as near perfec
as American ingenuity makes possible
/ realized when the request was made
that l was asking much Of your 50
cieties and their representatives.
Under the law ! had no fund from
| which even your expenses could be pait
and that no motive except love of coun
| try could prompt your acceptance. Blu
did not doubt that your scientific so
invitation. The fact that you gentle
men are here for common council, a.
our President would phrase IT, will b,
| fresh proof. II 1t were needed. that IL
this country all that q citizen needs Il
| to know that his services are require,
| in order that he shall make ready re
Spouse. As long as this spirit exists
| we may all be proud that the Ameri
cans Of today are as ready to serve q
were the contlnentals Of 1776.
| After consultation with the heads o
the bureaus charged with ordinances
engineering and construction. q tenta
tive plan has been thought out b,
which the experts In the navy and tn
1 NJ ~l