New-York tribune., 1916-01-07
Tells Republicans Next
Four Years Need Firm
Hand to Save Nation.
RAPS "SELF-SEEkERS"
IN PRESIDENT RACE
Barnes Says Voters Must Chose
Man OF u. S. ldeals-Depew
Calls Wilson Note Writer.

A strong plea for political prepared
ness. including frmer policy OF ma
tional defence. WAS made by ex-Scna-
tor Elihu Root, and the other speak
crs. at the dinner in the Republican
Club, last night. in honor Of its presi-
dent, James X. Sheffield.
The suggestion prevailed that Il was
time 70 shape the course IN the coming
national campaign. with due considera-
tion Of tho most progressive thought in
the party. and 20 get together TO roll up
the million majority against the next
Democratic candidate which the Repub-
licans and Progressives combined cast
against Wilson in 1912. No definite pro-
gramme was announced, however, by
any Of the speakers.
Wilson's administration was gen
crously attacked. ard warnings were
thrown out by some Of the old guard.
including Chauncey NJ Depew. b. Il.
Odell. jr., and William Barnes. against
the intrusion Of ambitious dema-
50 CUES" II was noticeable that Mr..
Darnes. one Of Colonel Roosevelt's bit
tereSt enemies, politically, occupied a
seat Of honor al the guests table. and
was introduced with nigh compliment
by Mr.. Root. who presided.
1T is wise at this time" said Mr.
Root, "to define the thoughts of one
group by comparison with the thoughts
Of another group. There are questions
&c be confronted in the coming cam
paign which far transcend the i'm
pOrtance Of domestic problems.
"In the next four years will occur
the most critical test Of American pa
triotism. Our ability to nee that test
will depend upon cur greatest attri-
butte, which is not our great wealth, our
railroads and our Industries, but our
national character, which must be pure
and unSelhSh. Our two great problems
will be to put our country in its proper
place in the world, and TO maintain the
Integrity Of our country'S institutions.
There are so many reasons why the
Democratic party should be turned ont
that unless we systematize these
reasons they will be apt 70 jostle each
other like an sudience rushing out Of
q theatre
Statesmen L. s. Hope.
Mr.. Barnes spoke on "Statesmanship.' -
he defined il as the art o. kseplng SUI
preme the order recognized and con-
formed TO by the people. Referring 10
the present European situation and
preparedness, Mr.. Barnes said:
"The question before the American
people is: Shall we preserve our order
- ~n-ro-h "a =
TO revolution?
What would lie revolution for
America? Establishing the spirit which
dominates an earnest, united and mill
tsnt Teutonic sta-e, nationallStic
spirit vitalized b. aggressive military
propaganda.
1T would be statesmsnship to pre-
serve the existing order OF the great
American democracy, founded on the
rock of belief in the individual life; "a
protect that democracy and that life by
q complete defence, not alone military
but spiritual. The military arm, how
ever, made effective for military de-
fence, should never control the spirit
which gave il life. americas conten-
tion should ever be against any auto
cratic system, elsewhere or here. Sc
Monroe contendec against Metternich
by his declaration of the Doctrine.
L. :. Ideal to Guide at Polls.
'If it be true that the United State,
ia threatened by any civilization Of
power destructive OF individual life
recognized by the United States as The
highest achievement Of humanity, those
who believe in and cherish this Amerl
can aspiration should be prepared e
contend for its preservation througf
complete defence"
I'D I-in. q the coming Presldentia
election and the Kind OF man whom
the people should choose a. their na
tional leader. Mr. Barnes said:
"If a system Of complete defence is
10 be established. the man 20 be cho
sen for this great responsibility should
not be ono whose mind or heart car
ever be controlled bv the thought OF
passion for individual greatness, power
or conquest. but should be one whose
mind is convinced OF the logic anc
rightfulness OF the American proposa
and whose heart feels that, IN the
American ideal. which recognizes the
right Of each to live unon the footstoo
Of God, lies the solution Of the rea
organization Of the human society o.
+ the future
Senator Brown biaTed the. present
/ stress In the financial situation Of the
| city government 20 pas and even pres
ent. extravagances.
Economy and retrc1chment are not
+ enough" said Senator Brown. What
New York needs is the axe
He said that financial distress fol
/ lowed on the heels OF extravaganza
/ The affairs Of the city had reached
Z l.. rIet Irrna e. a gT