Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1915-10-01
A. J. Montague Declares
Reasonable Prepara-
tion is Necessary
WANTS AN INCREASE
Nirginian Says 1t is Part of Wisdom
TO Develop National Guard of the
United States -

Richmond Va, October L.
For nation desiring peace, there
i: nothing except to make reasonable
preparation for defense against ag-
gresson," declared Congressman A.
J. Montague last night when asked
oy a reporter in Richmond what he
believed Congress should do looking
toward national defense.
Il may say no continued, that !
favor such reasonable increase in our
military and naval service as may be
adequate for the proper defense OF
'ur country.
Congressman Montague said that
several times he had been requested
~ various newspapers to express his
.Ieas concerning preparedness of tho
United States, but had hesitated to
10 so. However, he said he thought
hat the time had arrived when il
vas proper for him to voice his opin-
on
The genius OF our institutions and
he traditions Of our people are pro-
nounced against large standing ar
aies," he said. "Therefore, we need
not expect any great increase in the
,rmy itself. But it does seem the
cart Of wisdom and prudence to de-
.c'op the militia Of National Guard
Il the several States, the Swiss Re-
public atfording helpful example
rs to how this may be done.
Our coast Notifications. which
re inherently defensive and in no
wise offensive, should be strengthened.
The establishment of Notifications al
ape Henry is an object lesson of this
need. for perhaps no point on the At
antic Coast affords such advantages
Tor this kind Of defense Adequate
&ortilications at that place would pre-
Tent the entrance into the Chesa-
2eake Bay of an attacking fleet, there
y protecting an immense inland ter
tory, including the cities of Norfolk.
Newport News, Richmond, Baltimore
md Washington. TO say nothing OF
intermediate ports supplying extra
rdinary harbor facilities and near
~ railway trunk lines.
"In this connection, it seems to me
hat the experts Of our army might
)e able to evolve some plan for the
nare direct connection Of our coast
rortifcations, either by new railways
l. the more effective use cf existing
ailways. whereby troops and artillery
could be quickly transported and
Utilized to prevent the landing Of hos
tle forces upon points on our coast
3eyond the range Of the forts them
selves
For a layman to express view as
what particular class of ships hould
1c constructed may not carry much
eight. Whether we should devote
he major part Of our endeavor to the
, development of the submarine, the
FAST battle cruiser, or additional bat
| LlcshipS. or all combined, together
with aeroplanes, are questions jnvolv-
! :ng scientific and expert knowledge.
! md upon this character Of infornna-
ton Congress should be largely guild
! ed. should think that the navy and
J coast Notifications should receive our
! first consideration.
81 have entertained FOR long time
hopes for the near development Of
! pacific agencies for the settlement OF
controversies between nations. | am
not without hope in this respect now.
! The immea surable war that now over
shadows the world has brought US
abruptly to the realization that there
are nations who 10 not keep their con-
tracts. Therefore, if they do not
keep their contracts, if they do not
stand by their solemn treaties these
II othng left for nation desiring peace
except to make reasonable prepara-
ton for defense against aggression
! ROOMS AND BOARD-Severaf nice
rooms with all modern conveniencss
l. Good table board, Terms reasonable,
ALL, Don N.,,.b rzl,,o,L,. gu1 ~