The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1916-06-07

our example there ever will be modi-
fcations and additions to meet the pub
lib need and conform to popular ideals.
We do not fear to initiate nor fail to
about underlying foundations or essen
tial walls or proven arches or stately
columns. Mine 10 deep conviction that
the founding fathers were divinely in
spired. and the wisdom Of representa-
tive popular government 10 proven in
the surprising achievement.
At Is not alone the miracle OF accom-
plishment which deepens our reverence;
II 10 not alone the conviction that we
have buiided the FIRST. seemingly depend
and exalted all its citizenship. which
adds to our faith; but we are the Oldest
OF existing civilized nations, with one
passing exception. continued under one
form form Of government: and under that
standard Of living in all the world
surely We must be right.
Recalling that the mightier forward
strides have been taken under half
century OF Republican control. after we
union. the retrospection. the contempla-
ton and the anticipation combine to Ali
the Republican breast with pride and
hope. and trust and faith. and magnify
our obiisations In this crucial year OF
Much OF the discussion Of the hour is
hinged upon a world at war. We need
not wonder thereat, because the enor-
nifty Of the conflict and the influences
OF It's horrors have set mankind in up
hfaval. The traditions Of civilization
have been broken and International laws
have been ignored. There is a tidal
wave Of distress and disaster. there are
violent emotions and magnified fears
There are the extremes Of incalculable
sacrifices and measureless new fortunes
mot all American. There are new
wonders and new hindrances in COM
merce, changed balances of trade. new
marvels In finance and utterly changed
economic conditions. These have at
relations as difficult as those which the
individual citizen experiences whose
every neighbor Is involved in deadly
quarrel. Everything Is abnormal ex-
eral treasury, which is characteristic OF
Democratic control. and the facility OF
the Administration OF writing varied
notes without effective notice.
Unarmed America.
Amid these conditions has stood this
unarmed giant. typifying the American
| republic. neutral and sane. to whom the
| neutral nations have turned for leader
| ship. Our national unselfishness had
been proven. our devotion to humanity
had been established, our committal to
international Justice had long been pro-
heard the voice OF American fearless
ness. and all the conditions single us
out for leadership among the neutral
powers. but the Administration al
Washington spoke with more rhetoric
what the warning powers soon came
to know, that the official American
voice lacked the volume of determined
expression III. that once one demanded inter ,S
strength ~ confidence in our own de-
/ lenses.
II Is too early to estimate the debit
and credit account OF the European
less cost and inestimable heroism mus,
come a rebirth OF Individual spiritual.
ity. reawakened national hopes. new
liberties and new baptisn,s In patriotism
But we have seen civilization stripped
of the pretenses which clothed mans
savagery. and we have seen elemental
man. developed In genius and more
formidable because Of that, intoxicated
with power or impassioned In the greed
OF conquest. offending or defending
| contradicting every evidence of man.
kinds humane advancement, In the
envy or jealousy or rivalry or hatred
refined by boosted civilization. are the
barbarities Of primitive man, and the
seal of obsolesence Is not yet stamped
upon the warriors sword.
For National Defense.
Perhaps 1t is a reminder more thar
a discovery. but there has come to us
a conviction that this great nation. rich
In resources and strong In patriotic
manhood, has been negligent concern.
ing its own defense. We have dwelt In
fancied rather than real security. Pride
mingies with regret in this. because 1,
suggests the mind Of nation so free
from intended offense that there was nc
cultivated thought of needed defense
Our Righteousness OF purpose is portray.
there Is a warning In bleeding Europe
and there Is call today for prudent
patriotic and ample national defense
These 10 no mistakinE the sentiment. We