New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-08-24
A Lesson in Preparedness.
To the Editor Of The. Tribune.

To the Editor OF The Tribune.
Sir: There has recently appeared in the
papers many articles regarding the folly Of
expanding large sums of money for national
defence There is cited the preparation Of
Germany and her foes as a proof of the
theory that preparation for war is a cause
of war | cannot agree with this conclusion.
Many years ago, when living in the Far
West, nearly lost my life because of a dis
pute with an Indian. | was not armed, the
Indian was armed. He inquired of one Of
my friends if ! was armed. Learning that |
was not he endeavored to shoot me. Fortu-
natey for me he was not quick enough. Had
been armed it is most probable that he
would not have made the attempt on my life.
The lesson was not in vain. Afterward |
seldom left my gun behind me, and never
again was in similar danger. My six-shooter
compelled respect. Our peace-loving friends
are very much in error when they believe
and teach that preparing for war is cause
Of war
The cause of war is the false ambitions
and false ideals Of nations. Germany has
been taught for generations that might
makes right She really believes that this is
true. Sne DellcNeS tndL EIEldNu Is money
loving grasping hypocritical and decadent.
Therefore, England has served her time, full
filled her destiny, has been weighed in the
balance and found wanting; therefore, the
future welfare Of the world will be best
realized b. overthrowing England. Ger
many undoubtedly believes that the Ruler
Of the Universe destines her to be the one
to accomplish this high purpose. Now, no
amount of argument, however clear and dis
passioned, will make Germany see the fall
sity of this theory. Therefore the court Of
last resort-war. To prove by history the
splendid record of England in India and her
colonies for the uplift of the peoples in
those colonies would seem TO Germany only
evasion. She would see in England's govern
ment only pretence for flching under cover
of humanity the property of her colonists.
No one can tell when a nation may become
a danger TO other nations because OF the
reason stated above. America has treated
Japan in a manner unworthy of those profess
sions Of high idealism so common to our
statesmen. Japan has reason for resentment
Other nations cannot understand our lax
administration of justice. The Thaw and
Becker cases are too recent to be forgotten.
Our foolish, mad race for wealth has justly
riade US an object Of rdicule. Our other
lOlllto Hdiuly HttQ HlcuNloHs lAty are Hob
peculiar to us, but belong to all races of men.
The point to be emphasized is that any
strong. virile, growing nation has some rea-
son for believing that since America counte-
nances such weaknesses she is unworthy and
unable 10 be leader to the other nations,
and therefore, she is decadent and the fut-
ure welfare of the world demands that she
give way to any nation which in their own
opinion stands for higher ideals. Therefore,
grid up your loins and wipe America off the
map. We who believe in our country and
who know that the follies and weaknesses
mentioned will give way to higher and
saner method of living are not at all fearful
of the future. At the same time il is but
reasonable and the part of common sense
to look to our defences and to protect our
coasts, just as any man will provide locks
and bars to his home. Otherwise his family
and property are open TO any scoundrel and
thief who may wish to do him injury.
We should act, and act quickly; We should
provide all the means without question; we
should talk and we should write. that our
foolish and short-sighted, although honest
and sincere, peace-loving friends may see
that peace and security depend not on weak
ness. but on strength and true ideals. BE
ye wise as serpents and harmless as doves"
JAMES ". JOHNSON.
st. Andrews, n. B., Aug. II. 1915.