South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1915-05-29
THE NATIONAL LEAGUE OF PA.
TRIOTISM FOR PROFIT.


tion manufacturers by joining the So
called National Security league. In its
proposed Peace Preparation con-
gress" 20 be held in Washington, GOV.
Samuel NJ. Ralston has shown remark
ably good sense.
That ne will join in no movement
pertaining 90 war which has not the
approval Of Pres't Wilson. is an ex-
preston Of patriotism and confidence
in the president that is we'll worth
recording It is plainly propaganda
calculated TO capitalize our present in
ternational difficulties by spreading a
national scare about our "unprepared-
ness" quite as If hoping in the stress
OF the moment TO force a naval and
military policy that would prove prof
table TO the war and ammunition
trust, and the governor is wise not to
wish 10 be counted among their
humble servants.
We happen 10 know just a trifie
about this National Security league.
on the eve Of the proposed visit of
Secy Daniels of the navy department,
who visits South Bend today, we have
been flooded with it's literature. quite
as If expecting that we would seek to
embarrass him by giving IL publicity.
a statement which we make too, not
withstanding the presence OF such
names as Joseph H. ChOate. Alton
Brooks Parker. and Henry Stimson.
as vouching for the leagues sincerity.
Indeed, the patriotisH' expressed
therein is so we'll put, that but for the
Enthusiastically OF the Army and Navy
league apparent. we might almost
have been inclined to accept it's chal- |
lenges But as it is. there is at least
one additional plank that it needs in
its platform before II can catch us. |
Here are the things TO which the /
league subscribes now:
LEGISLATION correcting waste
ful methods of military appTOpria-
ton and disbursement.
adoption of definite mil
itary policy
"a stronger, better balanced
navy.
Am effective, mobile army.
5-Larger and better equipped
national guard.
6-Creation of organized re-
serves.
But they've omitted something, and |
that omission condemns their decla- |
rations This thing they've submitted |
TO the administration and us sounds /
like the roar of the lingo, the whine
of the contractor and the solicitation /
of the prostitlte war expert.
This country may he strong for
adequate armament for elf-defense, /
but it is everlastingly opposed TO prep |
aratiOn under existing methods
40 more millionaire families from !
villainous armor contracts.
40 more millionaire families from
private powder monopoly,
No more robbing of the people by
private contractors for war supplies:
Here is Sec'y Daniels proposed addi-
ton TO their scheme. and accordingly !
they don't like him:
Factories. mills. shipyards.
for Uncle Sans arming of him
self by himself,
That's the vital thing that this Sc
curity league has omitted. What the
league presents is the same. old. emas-
culated proposition that trOts TO the
front with its 4O-per cent-private-
profit features leering through a mask
of patriotism. every time We have a
war issue bigger than lighting the fieas
I'm t. s uniforms at the RI Paso
camp. We need fun security against
foreign invasion OF our country not
more than we need full security
against domestic invasion of the L. :.
treasury. The security that robs us
while securing as against robbery by
foreigners is no good.
III the National Security league is
not insincere or cowardly. it will put
something like suggested 40. : in it's
platform. Otherwise il will foozle as
the old fashioned proposition for the
promotion Of war for business pur-
poses. And some 99.999.999 Ameri-
cans will sit on that, These Americans
NAV have 20 employ those patriots
for profit" If we get mixed mp in the
war. but N peace maintains or ever
returns. We are likely to look out for
ourselves financially as well rs in mat
ters OF efficiency when it comes to
making ready for the next recurrence