The public ledger. [volume] (Maysville, Ky.) 1913-1968, 1916-03-17

incapacity OF the Democratic party as
II IL represented In Washington both
In the legislative aud In the executive
departments either to originate wise
policies or to follow them when pro-
posed by others or to administer them
effectively II they are established. The
Democrats In congress are never con
trolled except with a club, and gov
ornment with club Ia always spas
inodic and defective.
We must not deceive ourselves by
assuming that the critical period arts.
ing from the great war has passed.
The real dangers and the real tests Of
the strength Of our institutions lie be.
fore us. The most exactIng demands
upon the wisdom, the spirit and the
courage OF our country are still to be
made. In this great conflict all forms
OF government are on trial. democracy
with the rest. The principles Of ma
tiOnal morality are on trial. We must
play our part In the universal trial
whether we will or no, for upon the re-
suit depends directly the question
whether our republic can endure.
What Are People to Expset7
But what are the people to expect IL
the Republican party is restored to
power?
This much we can say now:
They may expect, with confidence,
that their government will meet the
economic situation with which we
must deal Immediately upon the close
OF the war, with a policy Of moderate
but adequate protection to American
industry.
They may expect that the govern
Inent will be gadministered with the
honesty and efficiency which have
marked Republican administrations in
the past.
They may expect that the best posi-.
BILE course for the preservation of
peace will be followed by q foreign pol
icy which, with courtesy and frlendli-
ness to all nations, is frank and fear
less and honest In its assertion OF
American rights.
They may expect that their govern
ment will stand for full and adequate
preparation by the American people
for their own defense. The Republican
party loves peace and hates war: it
abhors and viii never submit to mill
tary domination; but It is composed or
men who love our country and who
deem that the Independence, the liber-
ty, the honor and the opportunity of
the American democracy are not mere
ly to be talked about with weak and
habby sentiment, but are to be main
tanned and safeguarded by the prac-
| tical power OF vlrile and patriotic
people It is clearsighted enough to
see that preparation for defense must
have due relation to the possibilities
of attnck: that under the conditions Of
modern warfare much preparation
must. be made before a possible attack
or all prenaratio4 will be impossible
after the attack, The Republican par
ty stands for q citizenship made COM
petent by training to perform the free
mans duty Of defense for his country.
IL stands for a regular army no larger
than Is Necessary, but as large as is
necessary to serve as a first line,
nucleus, a source OF Instruction and OF
administration for the army of Ameri-
can citizens who may be called upon
to defend their country. And the Re
publican party Stands for the gospel
Of patriotic service 10 our country by
every citizen, according TO his ability
in peace and in war. 1t stands for
rea wakening. &c American patriotism.
II is not content that while the people
OF other lands are rendering the last
full measure of devotion In sacrifice
and suffering aud dying for their coun'
tries America shall remain alone duE
to the ean of country and satisfied ir
the comforts and pleasures OF pros
peTity.
Our Power Fer, Peace.
They may expect that assured readi-
ness for defense win give power to
our diplomacy IN the maintenance OF
peace
They. may expect that the power and
wiil OF united people TO defend their
oOuntEy will prevent the application to
our peaceful and prosperous land or
the hateful doctrine that among ma
lions might makes, right regardless or
the rules OF justice and humanity.
They may expect that the manifest,
potential strength and competency OF
the nation will Slaintain the effective
meas and reality OF that great policy OF
national safety which IN the declara-
tion OF President Monroe forbade the
destruction OF our security by the es
Enlistment Of hostile military powers
In our ueighborhood.
They may expect that their govern
ment will not forget but VIII ever
maintain, the principles OF American
freedom, the duties OF America to the
peace and progress OF the world and
those ideals Of liberty and justice for
all mankind which above ali else make
the true greatness OF the American
democracy.
$3.50
Green Shelton, a farmer residing In