The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1915-09-30

neInOQS SulIlclenLly developed and pro-
vided to make proper defense against
/ foreign foe or attack. We must pro-
vide all that is necessary for our pro-
lection and we must do it soon and
completely.
The highly developed modern civiliza-
ton is liable, if not likely, to break
down in other countries. The immense
Indebtedness of foreign lands with its
tremendous current burdens is almost
sure to bring about a revolution, if not
many national revolutions. The interest
burden is likely to prove too great for
the backs of some of the foreign
countries.
That there will be trouble abroad,
even after treaty of peace between
the warning nations secured, seems
most probable We cannot afford to
take the risk of not being prepared to
defend ourselves and our rights.
If we make the effort to capture the
markets of the world, as the opportu-
nifty now offers, we must be ready to
defend and protect the rights of our
citizens doing business abroad and their
property. We might well begin with
Mexico. Our business and financial
interests cannot be expected to greatly
increase our trade with other nations
unless they can feel that our Govern
ment will prevent the wanton seizure
and destruction of their property in
terests as well as their agents and en-
plOyees in other lands.
1t is not our duty to reform the
whole world, but it is our duty to guar
antee to American citizens whom we
invite to engage in foreign trade and
undertakings that so long as they fol-
low peaceful and legitimate pursuits
they will receive the attention and
support of the American Government
and the protection of the American
flag.
But we must not become military
mad. Probably there is no danger of
that. Our form of government and
our citizenship are not adapted to mil
itary propaganda. We may want to
conquer the trade Of the world, but we
do not want to conquer other nations
or take other lands. And while we
should be amply prepared to defend our
country and our rights at home and
abroad, we have no desire to wage a
war Of force against any people.
We must not forget, while providing
means for extending our foreign com
merce and protecting ourselves from
possible foreign aggression, that it is
equally important to make use of all
our natural advantages and resources
at home. The Government in many
ways and by scientific methods can aid
in national development. 1t can bring
more land under cultivation by drain
age and irrigation, it can increase the
productivity Of the land now cultivated
by experimental methods and teaching
improved ways, it can do many things
and aid in many ways which will add to
the ease of transportation, to the use of
the natural resources, to the saving of
that which is now waste and lost, and
it can increase generally bv wise legis-
lation the growth Of our prosperity.
There is now waging in Europe the
tiercest and most appalling conflict
which the history of the human race
records. What its final consequences
may be no one can confidently predict,
for which eyer side wins, the result on
civilization and mankind is likely to be
much the same. The most important
effects of the war will come after peace
has been declared and will be upon
civilization itself and the form of gov
ernments. And those effects are likely
to be much the same which ever side
wins
Let US keep out of that war Let US
remain neutral. 1t is not our duty to
ciyiIIze or govern Europe. 1t is our
duty to act for the lasting best inter
ests of our own country Those inter-
ests will be subserved by our remaining
an onlOoker. 1t is difficult for men to
restrain their passions when excited by
current events, but we should remain
calm, if possible, and at peace in any
event in this terrific struggle.
The war over there may last for
many years off and on before the ma
tons are sufficiently exhausted to pro-
duce lasting peace. We Will have
many temptations to take sides and to
take part, but our duty to civilization,
to ourselves, to posterlty, demands that
we remain neutral and keep out of it.
Our highest duty is to America We
should use every effort to advance the
interests of our own country and our
own people, with a single eye for the
advancement of American prosperity,
American civilization. American in
teIligence, American morality.
do not wish to come into the State
Of Missouri to speak even before
partisan organization without paying
my tribute to her most distinguished
citizen.