New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-01-21
MIGHT THE PREVAILING FORCE
Therefore We Should Prepare
Against II.

To the Editci Of The Tribune.
Sir: Preparedness is the question Of the
hour. Other issues are important; this one
is paramount Moreover, it is the storm
centre of debate. Those in favor consider
their opponents shortsighted. simple, lack
ing in common sense Those opposed call
their antagonists fire eaters. jingoes, bitten
by the desire to rush into the same insane
folly which has led Europe into slaughter.
Before the war began, or in its early
stages, there were perhaps a few who, mis-
ed By German authors, believed that war
was q good thing, really blessing in dis.
euise. But now that horror has added to
horror and war in its true aspect is begin
ming TO De better understood, with the bit
terncss and hate that inevitably follow in
lis train, there are few. if any, outside the
brutal or purbiind who DO not denounce war
as an unmtigated and scnseless evil
Does there exist among US a spirit OF
Imperialism on the one hand, or a spirit of
jealousy on the other hand, which may in
time produce the same dire results? Doe,
our past history indicate that America has
been jealous 10 extend its territory at the
expense Of neighboring nations? Have we
not found right ~ home sufficient land to
til. sufficient mines to explore. sufficient
demand for all the capital We could invest
Or have we been consumed by spirit Of
envy at the prosperity Of other nations
Have we bent our energies 10 the upbuiding
Of a merchant marine whereby We might
successfully compete with other nations in
freight rates and export trade?
1t needs but brief consideration to con-
vince every fair minded, thinking man that
in the past we have been so busy developing
our own resources that we have had little
time and no inclination for much else. Is
not the same condition true to-day? Is our
country filed TO overlooking with a popu-
lation struggling for the wherewthal to
live: Is there any country on the face of
the earth that offers such inducements as
ours? Why such streams Of emigration
from countries beyond the sea? Have we
any cause TO envy other nations? Can any
one among them show such growth or mar
vellous increase in wealth? These basic
facts must not be overlooked if sc would
ind true answer TO our question.
he plain truth OF the matter is that there
lbs but one excuse imaginable for our going
TO war with any nation on the face Of the
earth Just as the automobiles may eSer-
else the utmost care and may use ever,
prccaution against collision. il is still
true that the carelessness or folly Of other
cutomobilstS may mean a collision, 30 it Is
possible for some other nation so TO impose
upon our rights and 70 50 outrage our sense
eff justice and humanity as to demand from
Us action that will result in war Is this q
real or an imaginary contingency? Let the
facts answer. The arrogance OF more than
one foreign nation cannot be questioned. If
these nations were not at war, and there
fore, averse to mourning additional burdens.
does any one doubt that they would give
little heed 70 our protests at their outrages
upon our citizens and upon our commerce ?
Moreover. II We were not a nation Of 100
0oo.ooo. and If we did not possess almost
iucalcuable wealth. and if We had not al
ready proved what Americans can do when
at last they feel the necessity OF the final
resort 20 arms, We may rest assured that
our protests would receive but scant atten-
ton.
When international relations are reduced
20 their last analysis. the fact cannot be
dsproved that power. force. the ability and
the wherewithal 20 fight. are the foundations
on which they rest. ! do not say that other
considerations are without great influence in
shaping the policies Of nations. but if these
policies cannot be harmonized. and some
times they cannot. then war may be in
cvitable The present war is but one more
proof of this truth. which all the history
- the past states most clearly
firmly believe that the time will come
when right, and not might. will be the final.
prevailing force ia the affairs OF nations.
but that time has not yet come Until il
does come the part Of common sense would