The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1916-06-14
TAFT URGES DEFENSE
in TALK TOSTUDENTS
Former President Shows Need
To Be Prepared In Analysis
of World Conditions.

william Howard Taft gave expression
70 his beliefs on preparedness. not by
marching. but by an address yesterday
afternoon at the graduation exercises
at Georgetown University.
Mr.. Taft delivered a solemn admoni-
ton to the graduates to consider the
position Of this country which makes
Coming to the present prospect Of
war" he said. let us regard our posi-
ton as a neutral. We have tried to be
neutral, but our rights as neutrals have
ing our citizens. travelling as they have
the right to travel on noncombatent
vessels. to drowning without notice
England has enforced against US
two issues show how close we nre. to
war, as compared to the situation that
existed In Washington's day"
The former President devoted his en-
ed the program OF the League to En-
force Peace. of which he 10 president.
He outlined the varied and broad IN
terests OF the United States. reaching
into every part of the world. Then ne
described her vulnerable points.
/ Germany Ranks at Top.
He remarked that without being In
vidious 1 want to say that II we have
the power to meet Germany we have
the power to meet anybody" He had
just urged an armament program sum-
Client to meet the most powerful ma
tions of Europe or Asia that have the
means of attacking US"
Alaska" he said, offers a base Of
attack against the United States. as 1t
Is unattended. We own the Philip
pines-that Is up to date-and as long
Asiatic power. am not going to say
Asniatic power. l am not going TO say
hnything about the policy we ought to
my Views before the ladies present.'
"In our Asiatic relations, II Is OBJ
bervable that the open door has been
steadily closing since the Russo-Japa-
nese war. on account of our helping
Jspan to lick Russia. With the Chi
nese and Japanese we are also PURSUING
nm inconsistent policy. for we want
We have a very particular color scheme
involving only white and black; we are
very fastidious about the browns and
Sellows. I only mention this to show
that the Orient is a possible center or
trouble. not imminent trouble. ! trust.
In addition to all these spheres OF
power. we have with us always. like
the poor the Monroe doctrine. which
some people regard as an obsolete shib-
boleth. But l think 1t has worked well
for this country. In this connection
want to say that only the fact that
was chairman of a recent meeting pre-
vented my asking Mr.. William Jennings
bryan one question. when In a speech
doctrine. but against the League to En-
force Peace. wanted to query him
es to how we are going to maintain the
Monroe doctrine without the force OF
arms as last alternative.
I'VE have good many interests
around the world which others would
lie to direct. This war hasn't shown
any persistent altruism, and II seems
to me that our Christian duty Is Ia
remove temptation Of despoliation by
other nations by making those interests
difficult to Seize
Opening Address.
The Rev. Aphonsus J. Donlon. 8 j..
president OF the university. made the
opening address after the nup:ls had
filed in. The graduating classes. with
cap and gown. paraded about the cam
pus and then took seats to the right
and left Of the stand for the honor
guests.
I'm setting forth this yeaI 8 Grad-
uating classes from the university, -
President Donlon said, II wish TO voice
my confidence in them. They measure
up to the highest traditions Of George.
town. I trust that each and every
graduate will look back upon the rec
ord of the university's 1856 years Of ex-
istence and try to emulate the high
standard set by his precursors"
Referring to the topic If Mr. Taft's
address. President Donlon said
I'VE hear much about preparedness In
these days. and trust you will all 20
forth ready to fight the battles OF the
world. and OF the United States OF
America IL necessary"
Nearly 1000 attended the exercises.
Many prizes were awarded honor men
IN all courses. David G. Gardiner wor
the senior class medal. Edward ].
sweeney took the medal for the highest
percentage In science; Francis w. Sui.
Ivan took that for the highest evidence
OF religion; Marlyn j. Brown tse Dixon
Elocution Medal, Ernest T.. Blau the
Lynch. Prendergast Medal for 'he best
Ehshsh literature essay. and w. st
Medal. ~
pr. S. 8. Adams presented medical
schooi awards. L. Bryson Norris won
$50 gold prize for the best essay by