New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-09-24
WHAT is PREPAREDNESS?
One More Discussion of the Subject
That Never Gets Beyond Talk.

To the Editor of The Tribune.
Sir: We are frequently told that art and
literature rest on sentiment; yet art and
literature must have stronger foundations
than this or they will not accomplish much
The development of painting, for example
does not rest solely on ideas which an artist
will have, but men with analytical and seien-
tifc minds have to develop paints before al
artist can paint properly, and II we look a.
the matter closely the chemical properties o.
materials in relation to the art Of painting
are very important. and many artists are I'M
posed upon by having poor paint sold them;
thus, if they paint in oils their painting may
soon become yellow by the use OF an INFERIOR
paint, or the canvas on which they paint may
tear or rot for the same reason; or II tney
paint in watercolors these colors may WASH
or turn out streaky If the business man VINO
sold the artist the paint and the manuiseF
urers who made the paint simply nad DUST
ress in mind and said TO themselves: "Inetes
a big demand for paints and we can sell al
n, ost anything"
Now, | hold that both in war and peace
nation can be imposed upon in the same way
thinking and principles must be back OF az
the affairs Of that nation If that nation "
develop properly. 1t may seem an unsenl''
mental thing to say that science Is az Wv
bottom of nations peace; but II VIZ
very highest science where things mat az
better succeed things which are INFERIOR w
cannot set aside the lessons which hs''i'
has taught us, and we find that the best "p''
Of war machines used during war become
standardized after that war, and tha' man.
old inventions found to be outgrown s''
thrown aside So when we find the quss"'-
raised, "What is preparedness Tor Wal
lind it a very large question, and we 's""',
discuss the question with truth, eandof aH'
confidence we start out with the assunlE
ton that wealth needs no defence anu
nation says 81 follow the laws OF nums'"'
il must have the power TO enforce - ~.
laws. and most of the Christian nations s'
This power to some extent and we nav. d.
well told that none but a government u"
competent TO back up its accession oy 49,
when force is needed. can remain saie
world where, at times, assaults WIZ 'eI "A.
Sayages sometimes rebel against anu n.
stroy people who tell them OF theNi -,
One man often starts trouble win s"''
man by saying what he ought not 80,
One nation should not call another H@s
low lived as a nation, but II there are ~,
ME TO be criticised in this nation THESE P'sf
should be criticised and not the nation - 81.
of another man, and we can say tna' -. -,
leaders Of a nation are wrong IA h.
out where they are wrong, but we shou.-
careful how we make a sweeping 'V"
ton of mass Of people -. bsy.
Governments. as they exist to-a1i' ,h,n
more to do with humanity as ~h"'. o...,n
they formerly did; yet Greek anu a
principles still rule many OF the Ans IA:
life, and the Greek, who loved "lSuO", .,.e,
Every law not based on wisdom y " ave.
to the state" While the Roman, VINO ~ ~.
sented force, said: I'VE must not use -, eli
until Just laws are defed." Prudence any
men TO make laws because there Si' "A,
disaereeable and formidable things " ...s
world which would work against e"i''
# these laws did not exist. s.,,w
II is commendable for men OF lnnueH' IA
exert their influence in favor OF pss', ,.,ri
ore NAV criticise but he can hardy IN ~.
mand a man who says: my wealth y W .yla
world. and lay il at the feet Of meta
unprotected" Yet if he does this MS
TO the world may not be morai Oen s,a. MAY
He who gives as certain informauon Al
b. our teacher. hut not 10 US teacher
morals: vet we can hardly look a. ns -,,.,
immoral teachers who study OUT Wv rsiIty
ton how to be prepared for war ~. .aseblnss
can be found in a combination VI
which inspire men 10 action =, fors
SO | hold that il is not ip'n'0. atiox esp
nation to study upon the questions
we be prepared for war! n ORR
Chicago, Sept. is. 1915.