The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-11-05

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that he wants the support provided
the people favor the policy which he
has outlined.
He could not. of course, ask them
to support a policy which they did not
endorse, especially # they considered
the policy dangerous to the country.
Reversal of Material Policy
From my view of the subject, the
plan which he proposes is not only q
departure from our traditions, but a
reversal of our national policy 1t is
not only menace to our peace and
safety, but a challenge to the spirit
of Christianity which teaches us to
influence others by example rather
than by exciting fear.
THE president says we should be
prepared, not for aggres sion, but for
defense That is the ground upon
which all preparation for war is made
What nation has ever prepared for
war on the theory that it was pre-
pairing for aggression? 1t is only fair
to assume that the European rulers
who are involved in the present war
thought that they were contributing
toward the maintenance of peace
when they were making elaborate
preparations for defense. 1t is false
philosophy and, being false, it newt
ably leads into difficulties
THE spirit that makes the indi-
vidual carry revolver-and whoever
carried a revolver except for defense
LEADS MIN not only TO use IL on
slight provocation, but to use Ian
guage which provokes trouble.
Speak softly, but carry a big
stick; is one of the maxims employed
by those who put their faith in force.
Danger in Big Stick.
There are two answers to it:
First, the man who speaks softly
has not the disposition to carry club,
and if a man with soft voice is per-
suaded to carry club his voice soon
changes as soon as he begins to rely
upon the club.
eff there is any truth in our re-
igion, a nation must win respect as
an individual does, not by carrying
arms but by an upright, honora bic
course that invites confidence and in
sures good will. This nation has won
Its position in the world without re-
sorting to the habit of toting a pistol
or carrying a club. Why reverse our
policy at this time? The president
himself admits that there is no rea-
son for a change. He says The
country is not threatened from any
quarter. She stands in friendly rela-
tionS with all the world. Her re-
sources and her self-respect and ca
pacity to care for her own citizens
and rights are well known And to
make the statement more emphatic,
he adds: There is no fear among u.s.
ssWhy This Departure?" Bryan Asks.
eff were not threatened by any ma
ton, if our relations with all nations
are friendly, if everybody knows that
were able to defend ourselves if nee
essary and if there is no fear among
u.s. why is this time chosen to revolu-
tionize our national theory and to ex-
change our policy for the policy of
Europe? Why abandon the hope that
we have so long entertained of setting
an example to Europe? Why encour-
age the nations of Europe in their ia
tai folly by initiating them? Why inn
pose upon the western hemisphere a
policy so disastrous? May we not ex-
pect all america to be stimu
lated to preparation if we enter upon
a new era of preparation? And will
not such a policy make conflicts be-
tween these republics more probable2
I'VE shall do indefinite harm to the
neighboring nations as we'll as to our