New Britain herald., 1916-04-10
NAVY LEAGUE PUTS
 FORTH ITS DEMANDS
We Must Defend Every Foot Of
 Frontier, Says Hill

Washington, April 0.-Delegates representing every state in the union were in attendance at the opening session today of the eleventh annual convention of the Navy league of the United States. The sessions will continue through Wednesday. Some Of the country's foremost authorities 'son international law, commerce and military and naval science are on the program to describe what they be- Eeve to be adequate preparedness for national defense.
 Robert M. Thompson, president of the league, opened the convention with an address in which he reviewed the work of the league and paid his respects to the Pacifsts. He de- clared that while the league had earned the head of that class which Is opposed to preparedness i've trust that you will love us for the enemies we have made"
 The league was founded by men who believed, Colonel Thompson continued, that an efficient and adequate fleet was the best defense .pgainst invasion.'
 Pointing out that while several questions remained to be solved such IS how the exense of preparedness Is to be met the speaker declared that n makes no difference to the league how these questions are answered so long as the work is done in the most efficient and least expensive manner and that the men, ships and guns are secured as quickly as possible.
 Moral in England's Experience.
 England is spending millions Of
 
 Thompson in conclusion, "because she failed to spend thousands at the proper time. In the face of such possibilities why waste time over trifles; taxes or bonds, either or both, take your choice but decide he gives twice who gives quickly " David Jayne, Hill denounced the administrations foreign policy as one which had "caused a complete loss of our prestige as a nation and rem dered our government a practically negligible quantity as an interna- tional influence.
 The pressing question of the hour,' said he, lis have we as people abandoned the essential policies of a self-respecting nation? Have we ceased to maintain the principle all for every one and every one for all.' Have we become so self-centered so fond of ease, so fearful of personal danger so indifferent to the fate of others, so negligent of national duty that we can satisfy ourselves with 1 empty words and consent to be the | passive spectators of our national 1 disgrace? More fundamental than any plans | for fitting our our armies and fleets | tor service is the question. Do we | Intend to maintain the standards of civic duty set up by our fathers. and unflinchingly sustained by them?' If we do-and in spite of all the dis arrangements I believe we do-then | we must firmly resolve, cost what 1t may that henceforth the power possessed by this nation shall be spared not only to defend from hostile invasion every foot of our thusands tf miles of sea and land frontiers but to vindicate the right to personal 1 safety of every law-abiding man. woman and child justly possessed of l American citizenship wherever their l legitimate business or the necessity | of their situation may require them l to be-
 Henry H. Ward, vice president of l the league, spoke on Our Purposes" His address was followed by busi- ness session for the election of off, 1 pers and directors. The program Tor this afternoons session was under 1 former justice of the supreme court l If Hawaii as chairman.