New Britain herald., 1916-02-09
NOT SOUND AIM FOR US. Hamilton Holt Says We Do Not
 Need Increased Armament WILSON LIKE WASHINGTON Politicians and Politics DeplOred by Editor of 'Independent' at Meeting of Connecticut Congregational Club In This City.
WILSON LIKE WASHINGTON

 ] In This City.
 The February meeting of the Con- necticut Congregational club was held in the South Congregational church l last night. A supper was served in l the basement, after which the assem- blaze moved into the main auditorium where a short business session was l held. President w. H. Squire of Mer- | iden presided. Secretary Harry Smith read the minutes of the last meeting, which were accepted. On motion of the nominating committee, the secre- tary was instructed to cast one ballot admitting two new members to the or ganization. The executive committee offered two amendments, which will be voted upon at the annual meeting in April. The first concerned the annual dues. It is proposed to in crease them from $2 a year to $2.50. Heretofore the quarterly meetings have always been held on the ninth or tenth of the month. The resolution provides the gatherings shall be held in April, which is the annual meeting, and October, December and February between the third and ninth of the month, the secretary to notify the members five days before the sched- uled time. Following the meeting, Hamilton Holt of New York, editor of the "Independent," delivered an ad- dress on "World Peace" An abstract of his address follows:
 Three Arguments Against War.
 There are only three arguments against war. Sometimes a fourth is offered but this is a fallacy. The idea that we can stop war by making 1t more terrible is disapproved by the present conflict. The aeroplanes, submarines and other engines roam ing about and the test of quivering flesh against machines is indeed ter rible, but men are not afraid to die. which is being demonstrated daily. Men are not towards, so we can pass over this fourth argument. Then there is a corollary to the fourth ar gument, it can be stopped by being prepared. Preparedness brings forth the force and force brings on war
 Wilson Playing Politics
 Tt is singular to note that Presi- dent Wilson has changed his mind re- garding the matter of preparedness during the past year, just why is not fathomable to my mind, but there is a suspicion that the President is look ing forward to his political future. It has been said that the President is radical from a military standpoint. lie proposes to increase the regular army from 102,OOO to 10000. This is not enough for police duty during peaceful times, therefore it is unrea- sonable. Then he proposes a great Continental army. Citizens should enlist for six years, serving two months in each twelve for the first three years and then staying on the reserve list. This is not a radical departure although it may interfere with the work of the National Guard Young men may not be able to give up so much time during a year and their employers perhaps may not be able to spare them. If this plan goes through, New York's quota will be forty thousand men. At present the National Guard in that state should be 6, 900 but even that is not filled, so where are the men coming from? The day has passed when everyone was familiar with the workings of a f1rearm and could go fox-hunting. Still this step is not radical
 Naval Increase.
 President Wilson has suggested in creases in the navy and for that pur- pose has mapped out five year pro- gram. It is a big departure and the need of more submarines and aero planes is great. It is simply bring ing forward hurriedly a military pro- gram, but a careful analysis shows the increase asked for is very small He says $100, 0,00O0OO year will be need ed to carry out this program This ought to be done if there is any dan ger. have made a careful perusal of the various reports submitted by naval commanders and I find the president is right in regarding o,,r navy fourth in strength, if tonnage is taken as criterion. According to our naval experts our navy is third as a fighting power. Man to man it is as efficient as any on earth. In strength it is second only to England.
 Statement of Napoleon.
 lover 100 years ago, Napoleon said No nation would ever think of over seas invasion, for it cannot fight at full strength at distance In o1r own waters, our navy is as strong as any earth and it would be idle to suppose we could ever think of invading any other country.
 Concerning Increase.
 If expert testimony is true. how are we going to spend the extra $10O, 900 a year? At present, this country is spending $25O,OOOOOO a year on military expenses. If this increase is added, it will be the great est military expense on earth. It costs SLIGO year to support a United States soldier, while the expense of the European soldier averages $35O yearly. Not only in the salary but in