The Monte Vista journal., 1915-12-18
BY EDWARD HEATING.
Congressman from the Third
Colorado District.)

Washington, D. Cone thousand
million dollars a year. That's the
sum the jingoes tell us must be ex-
pended every twelve months in order
that the nation may maintain it's lib
critics.
woman and child, under the Stars
and Stripes For the average family
of five persons fifty dollars year
for army and navy alone!
With one thousand million dollars
water could be provided for 10000
600 acres of arid land and happy,
prosperous homes provided for half
a million American families.
With one thousand million dollars
the nation could be gridironed with
the finest system of roads ever de-
vised by the mind of an engineer.
With one thousand million dollars,
properly expended, the agricultural
production of this country could be
doubled and billions of dollars of per-
manent wealth poured into the laps
of our people.
With one thousand million dollars
expended by a board of competent
engineers, our harbors could be put
in condition to receive the commerce
of the universe, and our inland water
ways could be made navigable.
Sacrificed to Mars.
With one thousand million dollars
but why continue to specify? The
dullest witted could suggest a score
of plans by which an enlightened
government might, through the
yearly expenditure of that vast trea-
sure, add tremendously to the sum
total of human happiness.
Yet is seriously suggested that
this wealth, so prodigally bestowed
upon US by an indulgent Providence,
be annually sacrificed on the affairs
Of the Pagan Mars. And this in the
greatest republic of all time and g.
900 years after the Son of Man first
saw the light in the manger of Beth
lehem and was hailed as the Prince
of Peace.
l feel that the average reader will
be disposed to believe that 1 am Civ
ing an exaggerated description of the
plans of the militarists. But l as
sure such honest doubling Thomas
that am we'll within the facts.
President Wilson's compromise
scheme of national preparedness
calls for the expenditure of $780,
100000 year.
And the militarists, in disgust, de-
clare that is utterly inadequate.
The Oldest and perhaps most in
fluential Republican organization in
New York City, has officially de-
manded that Congress provide a
standing army of 100000 men and
reserve embracing every able bod
led man in the country. Such an
armed force would cost not a penny
less than one thousand million dol
lars year, and we would have to
supply in addition. at least $780,
100000 for a navy.
Captain Richmond Pearson Hob
son, one of the leaders of the jingoes,
IN speech in the last Congress. de-
manded an Atlantic fleet equal to
Great Britain's and q Pacific fleet
equal to Japan's. Such fleets could
not be maintained for less than
Hbo,00O.0O0 year and the cost, in
all probability, would reach $1,000
ooo,o00 year Those estimates do
not include the maintenance Of the
army.
Teddy Conservative.
Colonel Roosevelt, who is more
conservative than some of the mill
arlsts, wants standing army of
Ioo'oO0 men, universal military ser
wee, and the Immediate" construc-
oon of navy which will be much
stronger than the fleet OF any other
nation except England's. He avoids
Hsures, but his plans could not be
Executed. however economically ad-
.iihistered, for less than $750,000,-
WV and there is every reason to be-
"e'e that larger sum would be re-
CURED.