Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1920-02-21
Address Made BY Admiral Sims
at University Day Cerem OnieS

al independence, approval of our iusti-
tutions, patriotism, and the duty OF de-
fense.
What is its popularity? How does
it differ from the similar ideals of other
countries? 1t does not differ IN imply,
ing the pride of superiority. They al,
imply that We are quite convinced
that there is no country the equal OF
America and no people the equal OIL
Americans. 1t is said that we take no
pains to conceal our conviction in TINS
matter; that we are entirely willing
and ready at all times TO explain II TO
anybody, whether he is particularly IN
terested or not. The same convection
exists in other countries. even to. a
greater degree in some. 1t is true that
the Britisher does not explain the SUI
periority of his institutions and people.
He does not consider it necessary. lie
assumes that you know and acknowledge
it already. The Frcuchman is politely
sorry for all people who are not
French; and the Italian considers ms ms
nation the intellectual leader OF the
world, and so it goes.
Lulled by Good Fortune.
But in all these nations there is an
element of their patriotic ideals, their
particular "isms," which is not fully
developed in our Americanism. We have
been SO fortunate in all of our wars ana
other difficulties that we do not appre-,
ciate how much we have to be thankful
for. A nation, like an individual, must
have lost blessing in order to appre-
ciate it..
America has never oeen defeated in
war and suffered humiliation or loss of
territory. Our independence has never
been in danger. and we have always
heretofore had the fe-nng that it Is
never likely TO be, though this feeling
has been somewhat shaken by recent
events.
Contrast thiY condition of mind with
that in some European countries. The
French know what It means to have a
victorious enemy march through their
capital, to lose territory, and pay
heavy indemnity.
Other continental powers have had a
similar experience. In all those coun-
tries the national defense is live issue,
The military forces must not only be
adequate in material and personnel, but
they must be kept intellectually ettl-
cient through constant training IN
readiness for war.
Under these circumstances the truth
/ about the actual condition of their
| armed forces is so vltally important
| that any one who can point out de-
| feet. or suggest an Improvement. Will
! earn the gratitude of his government.
| Criticism is recognized as so vital to eth =
| cheney that it is not only welcome but
| is invited. and is rewarded when ii
proves beneficial.
Officers not actually on duty are at
liberty to publish any criticism they
please of the actions Of the government
or of any Of its departments. For eX'
| ample, since the signing of the arms
tice, books have been published by Ad-
mirals Jellicoe. Fisher. Scott and Ba-
con, and by Field Marshal French
These books contain criticisms of sucl
severity as to make any of those which
have appeared in America seem very
mild in comparison. Such OF thest
criticisms as subsequent public discus
sion shows to he well founded will nee
ressarily have the effect of avoiding in
future the errors they have pointed out
Incidentally. though hardly less inn
portant, such discussions serve to create
an enlightened public opinion upon these
subjects--and efficiency is hardly posi-
hle without a clear understanding or
| the part of the people. at least OF tht
necessity for, and the necessary ele.
ments Of preparedness.
|
Our MISSING hieheh'
In the Umted STATES we hot oi.S neg
lect TO provide Tor pnohc crticisHs u
our ofhceTs. Dut actuai! IorpIu II.
The missing elemen, IN a,llericantsi tn
is that 1t does not include % Tlequa.e 50
licitude Tor our salelS. me so'ern
ment, and TO certain eALeuI ou. pe3
pie, resent criticism OF AWNING amer =,
can. inns attltuue Nas eAPtesssI soi i1a.s DS
certain magazine Wrlttr y! as IoiloMs 70,
we are al rlght, anu !. We =, nc MI nj
don't want 10 near ao0uI II, I'M nts ~ u
a DANGEROUS attlIu1e tliat mas 49,, Gus. III ~
many thousanus ol lives anu many i'ii
lions In treasure A,.
The consequence Is lhai tne ainI .- ~ a. i.
people know less aoout the elenents .
warfare and less ABOUT the actuai COZ
dition OF their mlIltary lorces lnan tn'
people OF any OF Ihe Ttntt sieao po" ets ~,
Though thlS mas nlIi'aset ~ ann' aat ou, oo
preparedness lot war III Ihe p"st; an'
although we nave heVertheleSs away
attained our OBJECT IN war "lthout yer!
serious loss, SUI II must De epioen. tna
a similar attitude cannot De nialnIdlne'
in future without serious !lsA: ~
country governed as ours rs Lne enl
necessarily uepenu tal,a i5 t,;s IS' ~