The Washington herald., 1919-02-26
ENTER LEAGUE
OR BUILD SHIPS,
DANIELS ADVICE
Secretary Of Navy Declares
Huge Increase in Sea
Forces Alternative.
RAPS PACIFIST PLEAS
Says America Must Hark
Back to Traditions of
Republics Founders.

Secretary of the Navy Daniels, in
unequivocally espousing a league OF
nations before the members of the
National Press Club last night. de-
clared the alternative was entering
upon such a military and naval pro-
gram as would enable US single hand
ed to guarantee American rights and
American interests from Halifax to
TERRA del Fuego.
It was navy night at the Press Club
and the navy head and subordinate
officers spoke from a rostrum camou-
haged as the main deck of the good
ship Arid Zone" Navy buglers pip
ed the various speakers on deck and
the navy band furnished music be-
tween the speeches.
Defends League Plan.
Secretary Daniels, after rehearsing
the achievements OF the navy in the
world war. launched into a vigorous
exposition Of the world league, offer
ing as one OF its advantages. the pos
sibilities Of reducing armament with
smaller armies and decreasing navies.
He declared he failed to see where the
proposed draft would imperil Ameri-
can rights or American liberty
The secretary said:
The more than 800, 10000 Amer
lean people today are face to face
with making the choice either OF
a league of nations to safeguard
the peace won by valor or OF en-
tering upon a career of such naval
and military establishments as will
enable US single-handed to guar
antee American rights and Ameri-
can interests from Halifax to
TERRA del Fuego. There is no half
way house. We must assume our
share of responsibility for world
justice and world peace, in CO,
operation with other free nations.
or we must reject the proposal
OF a league of nations endorsed by
the chosen representatives of four
teen nations representing 1900, 200. .O0
people with all the burden of mill
tary expense and the danger OF
militaTism which such choice in
wolves II is a momentOUs choice
TO be made in a momentous period
OF world history.
We shall have a league of nations
for world peace, with smaller and
smaller armies and with decreasing
navies after the league has passed its
first years and has made certain that
It's QeCTeeS are nOnOTCO. OInerWlSe tne
nations will continue competitive navy
building. and militarism will crush
the initiative and convert independent
people into machines. There is nc
escape from this alternative. As one
who has long advocated international
agreements to end competitive big
navy building, hail with joy the
agreement OF the representatives OF
fourteen nations in Paris 20 write a
world pledge of peace and justice.
Recalls Famous Pocm.
The inspiring lines of Emerson will
not be changed and confined tC
smaller limits to please those who
live in dread of worlds peace by
world brotherhood. Some of then
would alter these famous familiar
lines which have thrilled US all these
years with a glorious patriotism:
By the rude bridge that arched
the flood,
Their flag to Aprirs breeze un-
furIed,
Here once the embattTd farmers
stood
And fired the shot heard round
the world"
IF the sage of Concord had possessed
the limited vision OF some who shud'
'icr at the coming of a league Of