The Democratic banner. (Mt. Vernon, Ohio) 1898-192?, 1915-11-09

tstrate, as Outlined Before the Man.
haitian Club, Held Departure From
American Traditions, a Reversal Of
<he Nations Policy and a Challenge
% the Spirit Of Christianity.
Washington, Nov. Civilian ].
Bryan formally opened the battle
against preparedness" In q statement
assailing the position taken by Presi-
dent Wilson in his speech before the
Manhattan club of New York. Mr..
tsryan declared tho presidents pro-
Vram Of army and navy increases vio-
lated the principles Of Christianity.
furthermore, he criticised mis- former
HAief for enunciating these doctrines
~ q club composed of men who he
eermed "mammon-w n-wOrshipers" Mr.
8ryan said in part:
The plan which the president pro-
cones IL not only a departure from
'e0r traditions, but q reversal OF our
eational policy. 1t is not only NEIL
Gee to our peace and safety, but a
SAallenge to the spirit OF Christianity
xhtch teaches us to influence others
~ example rather than by exciting
Ssar.
'"The president will not assume that
ne is more deeply interested in the
welfare Of his country than the mil.
Mons who elected MIN to be, for the
cine being, their spokesman. And ~,
As he evidently believes, he is giving
voice to the opinions Of his country
aen. he is, OF course. anxious to have
chem as frank with him as he has
1seen with them-how otherwise can
10 know whether he represents or
misrepresents their views? He has
announced a policy which has never
before been adopted In this country
and never indorsed by any party in
The country, and he has no way OF
Knowing, until ne hears from the peG-
pie. whether he has correctly inter
prefed the will of the public.
"The spirit that makes an individ-
sAI carry a revolver-and who ever
~carTies a revolver except COR de.
9ensef--leads him not only to use II
Sa slight provocatioD, but to use Ian
s9Asge which provokes trouble. Speak
softly but carry a big stick Is one OF
$Ao delusive maxims employed by
chose who put their faith In force.
There are two answers to it--first,
The man who speaks softly has not
che disposition to carry club, and II
y man with soft voice Is persuaded
- carry club his voice changes soon
sas he begins to rely upon the club.
Bees No Reason For Change.
'gf there Ia any truth In our re-
Nlgion. nation must win as an indi-
%ut by an upright, honorable course
NhAt invites confidence and insurcs
coed will. This nation has won It's
Vssition In the world without resort
<ag TO the habit Of tOting pistol or
carrying club. Why reverse our
vsellcy Mt this time? The president
etmself admits that there Is no rea-
ssn for change.
'"There has not been a time in fifty
yoars when there was less reason to
odd to the expenses of the army and
eAvy, for we are not only without an
Ssesny. but our preparedness Is In
-cseasiDg rapidly ms other nations ex-
l,Rust themselves. There never has
<becn a time in our history when our
duty to the world more imperatively
demanded self-restraint and the coun'
sscls of peace.
"Why abandon the hope that we
Anye 30 long entertained OF setting an
example to Europe? Why encourage
che nations OF Europe In their fatal
xo,,y by initiating them? Wny i'm
Dose upon the Western Hemisphere
q policy 30 disastrous? May we not
<Kpecl all Latin America to be stru
xAted to preparation II we enter upon
q new era OF preparation? And will
not auch policy make conflicts be
Sween these republics more probable
I'VE shall do infinite harm TO the
aeiehboring nations as well as to our
seives IL we ara drawn into this pol
acy which provokes war by a prepare
eion whicn Is impossible without {
-Sarge increase in taxation and thu
arousing OF military system which
Naets up false standards OF honor" .