Honolulu star-bulletin. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1912-2010, 1915-07-26

no lack OF competent and fair-minded
witnesses to testify to the value and
the necessity OF these islands as one
Of the possession, and in fact, let us
hope, one OF the states OF our nation.
One OF the subjects that commands
the attention of the National Congress
Is the establishment and maintenance
here Of an adequate military force. We
have during the past few months been
forced to full realization OF the ne
cessity of being prepared to protect
our country by force; that. while we
desire above everything else peace
and friendship and cordial intimate
relations with all other nations, We
know these cannot be maintained IN
less we are fully prepared to protect
ourselves against unjust and dnwar-.
Ianted attack With a high sense Of
justice and equity and moral obliga-
ton, with a disposition TO accord TO
all others an equal opportunity with
ourselves To reap the benefit of the
worlds advantages, we cannot be GER
tain In this age of human weakness,
OF selfishness, of greed and the in
firmities of jealous suspicion, that we
shall net be imposed upon and per.
haps destroyed unless we are prepar-
ed with the argument OF force in the
last extremity. The nation is aroused
On this subject The organizations
for the promotion of peace, who have
sometimes appeared to believe they
held a monopoly Of the principle, are
new generally impressed with the no
ton that the United States should
have a navy in size and equipment
as compared with other nations in the
same proportion that its wealth and
resources bear to other nations res.
pectiyely. This means that we should
establish and maintain the largest
and best single navy in the world. And
Ii seems also to be the consensus of
opinion that we should have an army,
II not continuously in the field and
ready for war, yet easy of organiza.
ton, complete preparation and mobi-
lization, many times larger than our
present army. These will increase the
of annual expenditures, but
they are necessary and they are true
they add to our material strength by
the protection of our property and our
Our public officials can and
should economic in many other di !
rections sufficiently to more than |
equal the increased otltlays for the !
army ard navy.
There is perhaps no other point |
where the maintenance of a strong !
and effective armed force is more ne |
cessary than the Hawaiian Islands. II |
must be strong enough to protect it.
self and the surrounding seas. 1t |
must act as a buffer" for the whole |
western shores of the mainland of |
the United States. In case of serious /
trouble with another nation, which
God forbid. an army and navy located
here would prove of incalculable va
ue and benefit.
The work that Is being done here,
he investigations that are being
made, the declarations of those in au-
Ihority all indicate that what has
been said is in accord with the trend
)f events,
Ny utterances on this occasion are
not intended to be IN opposition to
what have heretofore urged in favor
II an international court Of arbitra.
Ion, composed, of al the nations, for
he consideration and determination
" all internationa, questions and the
of its DEGREES by the ma.
ions not directly interested in the
Particular question at issue. II any
lation or two nations are to have the
dominant power to control the seas or
he earth, there is no need for such
o have a court of arbitration. The
International equilibrium of nations
must be maintained and SO long as
me nation is possessed of potential
'hysical power there must be lodged
n other nations sufficient power to |
Ieutralize and to afford proper protec-
ion to all nations great or small.
III the possibilities suggested, or
ONE of them, seem Utopian, or TOO
ar ahead of the times. 1t is sufficient
say that in any event we should
nd We must be prepared on all occa-
ions and in every emergency to
tand for the rights and the prifici-
les Of our country We viii good
aturedly but persistently strive to II
ucceed in every worthy canse. Amer
cans will be selfish in seeking to OBJ
ain what they are entitled to but they
I'LL be reasonable and just and con-
cientious. II
Perhaps the most important ques-
ION that occupies the minds of the
eople Of the Hawaiian Islands relates
D the national tariff laws; and 1t is
OF confined to this locality. 1t is deli 3
ate, If not difficult. for there are con-
letting views and. as some believe II
nd advocate. conflicting interests.
he question is economic and not poll
cel though different political parties
ave sought to make it a leading pars
I their platforms Outside Of the
fort to produce revenue which is a
sature involving too many points for ]
Dnsideration in a brief discussion,
he thing sought to be discovered and s
tilted by the good citizen is how to ]
rovide the greatest good to the
reatest number. In case of differ !
nee in argument ON one side is the {
Iewpoint of the producer and on the I
Their side of the consumer The first I
= A~ a 1 i