Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1915-04-14

HSIS louISIt, u6CldTu6 Itldl no one WIZ
suggested that peace was to be obtained
through feebleness should be listened to.
and that adherence of war and love
Of peace are thoroughly consistent with
wise military precautions"
The problem of what military policy
the United States should adopt and pur-
sue, he said sis here now for our solu-
ton" I'VE have no right Mr.. Garri-
son declared, from any standpoint to
evade it or avoid it I'VE must realize
our responsibility, fearlessly face the
facts, and do those things which are
wise and proper in the circumstances.
For thought and precaution are dis
tinstlishing differences between wisdom
and folly.
This obligation" ne continued, does
not arise solely out of a selfish consider
alton of our personal safety; it was I'M
dertaken in our name by the founders
OF the government, who promised to
provide for the common defense on be-
half OF themselves and their posterity:
and therefore, as trustees Of those who
are to come after us, we have no right
to leave them exposed TO the hazards
OF the future without having provided
the safeguards which reason dictates"
Mr.. Garrison asserted that the need
Of more of a standing army than we
now have is a fact patent to every one
WHO considers the subject" and that
there was imperative need of trained
reserves.
The mobile military force in the United
States, ne SAID, was less than y. go
men, while Of the organized militia, il
was not expected by those who know,
''tnat ANYTHING like their full numbers
would resEond to the call for national
service" u
This is an exceptionally opportune
time" Mr.. Garrison continued, ITO con
sder this question. because, while the
war in Europe has centered the attention
Of our people upon the subject matter.
We have no aggressive intention against
such aggressive attention on the part
of any nation against us.
The subject itself has nothing novel
in i. From the foundation of lie Gov
eminent to the present time il has re-
ceived the careful consideration of those
whose responsibilities or experience
caused them TO comprehend the situa-
ton All such practically reached sim
liar conlusions as TO the imperative need
of proper measures Of precaution. I'm
fortunately, for one reason or another,
they We're never able to cause the en-
actment of their conclusions into per-
manent form and when occasion re
CURED, resort was had to nakesllifts
and expedients. with all of the disas-
trous and hunliliating results of such
inadequate treatment of this vital sub
ject.
When the public opinion OF this
country has determined upon what gem
eral principles its military policy shall
be founded, there viii be no difficulty
in working out the details and putting
the same into effect. The difficulty has
been ana is. to get the matter SO
brought home to the individual citizen
shat ne will realize its vital importance,
give it his hest attention, and aid III its
wise solution The difficulties inherinG
in the nature Of tie subject are great
enough without the misfortune Of arti-
fetal obstacles placed IN The way Of its
wise settlement. Such artificial ohsta-
Giles are those created ny well meaning
people who confuse the subject by in
jectinc' into II considerations which do
not properly belong there. Adherence
of war and love Of peace are thoroughly
consistent with wise military precautions
There is no issue in this country, and
there can be none. between lniEtarism
and pacifsm. No one who is taken seri
ously is even suggesting rnilitarism; and
no one who suggests that peace is 10 be
obtained through feebeness should be
listened to. The great sober sense ii
this country viii surely not let its direc-
ton be DETECTED by so unsubstantial an
obstacle. What we are striving for. and
what every wise, patriotic citizen should
Join in attaining, is a proper military
policy,
The way 10 attain this object is to
consider the past. observe the present
and take forethought for the future.
We know that in the past this matter
has not received proper consideration
on behalf of the public. Washington,
Adams and Jefferson,-the three great
men who successfully held the office OF
President-pleaded with the people to do
what should be done in this connection,
but their pleading was futile. Wash
ington's bitter experience with unframed
men and with a Nation unprepared for
war is well known to all of us, and
his references thereto are too numerous
for citation. They may be summed UP,
however, in this statement of his:
1.-The jealousy of a standing army,
and the evils to be unprecedented from
one. are remote, and, III my judgment.
situated and circumscribed as We are,
not at all to be dreaded; but the conse-
quence of wanting one, according to my
views formed from the present view H
things, is certain and inevitable ruin +"
Mr.. Garrison pointed out the problems
of defense that faced John Adams and
Thomas jefferson. and added:
From those days to these. other
great minds. trained, experienced, faced
with the difficulties and dangers, pro-
posed one remedy or another, but all
failed OF adoption.
In most other nations of any size
in the world this matter has been taken
up and has been settled after careful
consideration. Admittedly that is not
the case with us.
THE exact question for decision. there
fore, is, on what principles shall we pro-
vide for the expansion of our military
forces SO as to be reasonably prepared
to meet emergencies? No one seriously