New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-12-31
DON'T COUNT THE COST :

To the Editor Of The Tribune.
Sir: In his message to Congress President
Wilson says the policy of our government IN
the present crisis Is preparation for defence
against any attack that may be made on US
and indicates what he thinks that preparation
should be- Is it sufficient? 1t is the hope
and belief Of most native citizens that the
armies of the Entente finally will overcome
those Of the Teutonic allies. IL this were as
sured there would be less need for immediate
action. since no attack on US by any other
than a victorious army under the command
of the German Kaiser is apprehended. The sue
cesses of the Central Powers make it more
than possible that the Kaiser may succeed in
his evident design, according to the plan OF
Bismarck, 20 make Germany the paramount
power in Europe and the Emperor its dicta-
tor And there is reason to think he seeks
to extend his authority to the Western Hem
isphere.
Ours is the leading republic of the world;
multitudes OF the proletariat of Europe, seek
ing to escape oppression by the aristocratc
governments at home, have come to us; and
their communication with those left behind
has led TO seeking greater freedom there, re-
suting in the creation OF two new republics
in Europe. The desire for self-government
pervades every civilized nation; and the
crowned heads and aristocracy, IN view o:
the fact that Brazil, the one kingdom Ia
America, has become a republic. fearing for
themselves, would rejoice at the overthrow
o. any republic. especially ours.
The Monroe, Doctrine is intended to pre-
vent the creation of any aristocrat'c govern
mcnt in this hemisphere. as nimical to US.
tending to overthrow our republic, and likely
to result in many wars The attempt OF
Louis Napoleon to subvert the republic OF
Mexico and make of it kingdom, which
might have succeeded if our Civil War had
resulted differently, indicates what We may
expect if the aristocratic governments of
Europe succeed in colonizing in South Amer
lea. and shows that if the principles of the
Monroe Doctrine are to prevail we must be
prepared to maintain them against attack by
any and all
Our war. generally have resulted in a
measure of success. but with the exception
of the Mexican War. they have been fought
by us under the disadvantage of contending
with disciplined troops, while ours consisted
principally Of militia or undisciplined volun-
teers, without experience in arms; and our
successes have resulted more from the great
or number of our troops than from their
fitness for service. Our immunity from at
tack by foreign nations has resulted from
isolation; but the protection of being weeks
or months from possible enemy has ceased
with the reduction of the time TO a few days
The effect OF using swift steamers, fast rail
way trains and automobiles for the transport
of troops and munitions sometimes deter
mines the result of battles in the present
war; and we no longer can base hope Of i'm
munity on our isolation.
1t is said that the enormous debt of GEL
many at the end of this war will prevent tn.
Kaiser from engaging in any other war for
many years But if he designs to extend his
conuuests TO this continent he can never be
better fitted for the undertaking than when.
at the end OF this war, he may find himself
with a great victorious army well disc-
plined and seasoned in service, and possessed
of sufficient armament and whatever fumes
he may choose TO extort from his conquered
enemies as indemnites, and with the knowl
edge that the United States. the principal
object of attack, rich in possessions, Is un-
prepared for successful defence.
Preparation for defence should begin at
once ard he prosecuted with diligence. The
question should not be how little will suffice.
but how much can be done. The Kaiser in
this war has shown that he will do ANYTHING
that promises 70 help his undertaking, and
we should be in a position not orly 20 re
pulse any attempted invasion, but TO enforce
the observance Of all our rights as a natior
The cost Of preparation is urged as a reason
for neglect, but what will il be compared
with the expenditures of nationA Of the En-