New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-11-05

then our nations truest worth, as vel
as our respect for ourselves, sfould
never be doubted or misunderstood by
any people. IT,, - ~
time in recent history in which IT mas
been so easy, or would have been so
easy. 10 keep this nation out OF war,
as during the last few years. No ma
ton desires our onmity; every nation
desires 20 maintain our friendship. we
desire the friendship of all the nations.
All that was necessary was trmiy TO
assert American rights in a convincing
manner. which would leave no doubt
that what we said would be made good
and that we have no desire IN any way
TO provoke strife, but should insist at
all events that the lives, property and
commerce OF American citizens should
be safeguarded according TO the rights
under international law.
Verdict on Preparedness
81 believe that the American people
are 10 record in this election an express
sion Of their opinion with respect TO
the necessity for proper preparation
TO maintain our national defence. We
believe in preparedness. but we do not
believe in paper preparedness. We are
not satisfied with vast appropriations
Of public moneys unless they are 10 be
expended under competent leadership.
I'VE have many eXtrayagant claims
on the part of our opponents. At one
time you would suppose that they were
the monopolists of peace. They forget
the policy in Mexico, which has been
so wrong-headed in its character al 10
lead US into petty wars and to provoke
enmity where we should have had
friendship and respect
"But they have also shown, while
they have promised and said much of
efficiency in administration, a failure
TO recognize the fundamental condi-
tions Of that efficiency. | say to the
American people that they cannot trust
an administration which has permitted
itself to place at the head Of our great
bureaus of administration men conspic-
uously unfit 10 discharge the duties
thus devolved upon them. If we are to
make progress in our preparation we
must see to II that we have the highest
talent, the best available ability, in
charge of these great departments OF
the Navy and Of War.
Want the Real Thing
81 want to see every penny OF tho
public moneys wisely expended, so that
We may have the equivalent in proper
equipment, in up-to-date equipment.
We need proper organization. We 90
not want simply 10 spread on paper, as
] have said, all that is done; We want
the real thing, no. for aggression, not
for threatening, but in order that in al
emergencies out national life may be
secure and that when we take a position
l. IL 4 1fNr 1t
rights we may be sure that the validity
O. that position will be recognized by
other nations.
'hat The American people are
about to record their dissatisfaction
with the state Of our industrial pre-
paredness ! think that they are alive
to the very serious situation in which
we are placed at this time. II will not
60 10 make light Of il. II will not ca
cape attention by various animadver-
sions and destructive criticisms with
regard to American business men.
81 believe that American business is
sound TO the core, and that what we
need TO do in this country is not 10
cast suspicion and TO make unworthy
detraction with respect TO American
business men, but in every possible
way TO correct abuses and to get be
hind honest business, to the end that
in the twentieth century the United
States shall take the place in the com
mercial world which its talent and re-
sources entitle it 10 take.
Prosperity Comes from War
Every sober student Of our affairs
must understand that at this time we
ere in a very unsatisfactory condition.
W. lpnw that the nrogpQritv which
we enjoy springs from the abnormal
demands created by the European war.
No one can fail TO see that when these
great armies on the other side are
made up of men taken from every pro-
ductive enterprise, taken from shop and
factory, from Office and store, in order
that they may fight for their country,
there was created a great opportunity
for American enterprise. Our exports
could not leap nearly $4,000, o00,0 600 in
a single year without giving an eX-