Weekly journal-miner., 1915-12-15

We have been put to the test ill the case of Mexico, and we have stood the test, declared the presi- dent. He added that it remained to be seen whether Mexico had been benefited by the course taken by the administration, but that we nave at least proved that we will not take advantage of her in her distress and undertake to impose upon her all order and government of our own choosing"
 The moral is" continued the presi- dent, that the states of America are not hostile rivals but cooperating friends, and that their growing sense of community interest, alike in mat ters political and in matters econom- ic is likely to give them new sig nificance as factors in international affairs and in the political history of the world. It presents them as in a very deep and true sense a unit in world affairs, spiritual partners, stand- ing together because thinking to- gcther, quick with common sympath- ies and common ideals. Separated they are subject to all the cross cur rents Of the confused politics of a world of hostile rivalries; united in spirit and purpose they cannot be dis appointed of their peaceful destiny.
 'I am interested to fix your at tention on this prospect now, be cause unless you take it within your view and permit the full significance of it to command your thought l cannot find the right light in which to set forth the particular matter that lies at the very front of my whole thought as I address you today; I mean national defense"
 The passion of the American peo- pie, the president declared, was for peace; that conquest and dominion was not in their reckoning nor agree able to their principles.
 But just because we demand un- unmolested development and the un- disturbed government of our own lives upon our own principles of right and liberty" he said, I've re- sent, from whatever quarter it may come, the aggression we ourselves will not practice. We insist upon security in prosecuting our self-chosen lines of national development. We do more than that. We demand 1t also for others"
 War, the president declared, was regarded by the United States merely as a means of asserting the rights Of a people against aggression, and that i've are as fiercely jealous of coercive or dictatorial power within our own nation as from aggression from without" He said the nation would not maintain a standing army except for uses which are as neces- sary in times of peace as in times of war, but that the country did be lieve, in body of free citizens ready and sufficient to take care of them selves and of the government.
 But war has never been a mere matter of men and arms" he con- tinued. Tt is a thing of disciplined might If our citizens are ever to fight effectively upon a sudden sum mons, they must know how modern fighting is done, and what to do when the summons comes to render them selves immediately available and i'm mediately effective And the govern ment must be their servant in this matter, must supply them with the training they need to take care of themselves and of it. The military arm of their government, which they will not allow to direct them, they may properly use to serve them and make their independence secure-and not their own independence merely, but the rights also of those with whom they have made common cause, should they also be put in jeopardy" "
 The president presented the war department plans for strengthening the army as the essential first step" and flor the present sufficient. The plans include increasing the standing army to a force of 141,S43 men of all services, and the establishment of a supplementary force of 100000 disci- plined citizens, who would undergo training for short periods throughout three years of six years enlist ment.
 "I would depend upon the patriotic feeling of the younger men of the country whether they responded to sucn call to service or not" said the president. Ut would depend up, on the patriotic spirit of the en1- ployers of the country whether they made it possible for the younger men ;,, +I,a;- a,,,,,Io,- tO raSDOud under