The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1916-10-26
A WORD TO YOUNG MEN,

who are under 20 who will make up in
largest part whatever armed force we
we will put into the field or on the seas
in case of necessity to protect our coun-
try from aggresslons by foreign powers.
AS peace-loving people we need not
consider any but a war of defense.
Should war be necessary, you would 90,
of course, if the regular establishment
were inadequate to repel invasion. You
are patriotic, liberty-lovirg. thorough
going American. Being ready to serve
in case of need, what do you demand
on the part of your government, first,
to postpone the evil day as long as pos
sible; second. to make sure the speedy
triumph of our arms with as little sac
rifice of our blood as may be? You de-
mand preparedness of men and nipple
ments of warfare. If you must strike
you want to strike hard and effectively
and have it overwith. To which DO
litical porty can you look with conf
dence for the protection of your person
al welfare as potential soldier in the
American army of defense? That's
the question for you to decide now hav-
ing decided, you must back your judg-
ment with your votes.
Protection may be a concrete policy
of government or it may be a mere
shibboleth shouted to catch votes.
When the European war broke out
and America for the first time realized
that its isolation does not afford the
protection from attack that we had I'M
agined; when for time there was
grave danger of our becoming embroil-
ed, what was the attitude of the princi-
pal political parties? The Republicans
clamored for adequate preparation for
defense. President WILSON sneered at
the alarm. When public opinion had
crYstalized for preparedness, the Presi-
dent suddenly made the discovery"
that the country was unprepared for
defense and made campaign to "con-
/ vi NAS PSOPlC " IL. lluINATGUS OF
millions were appropriated by Congress
for Strengthening the army and navy.
What has been done and what can YOU
/ expect from the WILSON adminlstra-
ton in realization of the power we need?
JoSEPHUS DANIELS, Secretary OF the
Navy, the Presidents most intimate
cabinet minister, is opposed to strong
navy, has done nothing toward carving
out the congressional program, has not
even started work on two battleships
authorized on March 3, 1915 Mr..
Daniels has persistently antagonized
the professional men of the navy whom
the nation has trained for its defense.
If MIR. WILSON Is reelected Mr..
DANIELS will remain in office. Our first
/ line of defense will be neglected. More
of our young men than should be will
have to be sacrificed if we ever have to
/ 20 to war because the WILSON admins
tration has not prepared to protect our
country and its young men-you Young
men who will vote, many of you for the
first time. on November 7.
Congress provided money and a
scheme for charging and strengthen
ing the army. The better army we
have the fewer American young men
we will have TO sacrifice in defending
the country. But the Democratic
scheme, in which Mr.. Wilson acquiesced.
has not proved effectual and holds no
promise of doing so. The liberalization
of the National Guard was carried out
against the protest of Republicans. 1t
was political measure, not one of de-
tense. The idea was to make a
political machine that would deliver
votes to Wilson. The Volunteer Army
plan was rejected. A large Regular
Army was authorized, but the recruit
ing scheme has proved ineffective. Few
men have been added to the army.
Thanks to the failure of the Democratic
schemes, if we are called upon to de
fend ourselves you will go forth raw
recruits to be slaughtered because there
has been no adequate preparedness.
Here are considerations for the young
men who will have to do the fighting if
any is to be done. Mr.. Hughes and
the Republican party stand for genuine
preparedness. Mr.. Wilson and the
Democratic party have had their op.
portunity to provide 1t. They have re-
fused and failed to do so. You, young
men, will pay with your blood if we are
attacked. Your safety hes in making
the country safe. 1t will not be done
through the election of Mr.. Wilson. If
you think that ''he has kept US out of
war" think also what will be your fate if
war is thrust upon us before we have
adequately prepared.
| NA&A-& AA-A-x~-x~-<s 4