The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1922-10-25
PACIFISTS WOULD UNDERMINE
NATIONAL DEFENSE


with the misguided pacifists in this cenntry
who seem to think that war can be abolished
by few high-sounding resolutions. In his
position he deals with facts. The antics of
ing that this wicked world of ours has not
changed since the Kaser's legions were hurled
against Belgium what they thought would
be triumphal march to Paris.
Addressing the New York post of the Army
Ordnance association, Secretary Weeks said
the SILLY paciffts' in America care seeking
universal peace through undermining with
their insidious propaganda the ability of their
own country to protect itself. What do these
people see in the signs of the times to de-
ceive themselves into believing that we can dis
man nature changed since 1914?"
The answer to Secretary Weeks question
is that human nature has not changed one jot
or title. Some of the European nations, at
the present moment, war-weary, but if suf
ficently urged they would go at it again. AS
it is, they are spending billions, regardless of
economic ruin staring them in the face, on
preparations for the next war.
Major General Hartford was even more sar-
castle in criticizing the pacifist activities IN
America. In his speech to the ordnance as
ISOLATION, he said:
In July solemn demonstration with Haunting
banners, music and speeches was held in Wash
ington in the of which the President
urged to set aside mo day" for annual
observance The movement said to be nation
wide War to end. The dove of peace
to take immortality.
In September the drums began to throb in
the Near East. There rush of troops and
warships the crossroads of the world the City
Of the Golden Horn.
The White House overwhelmed with de-
mands that country intervene in the Near
Eastern situation and If necessary join England in
war against Turkey. Resolutions passed all
over the country insisting that the Turks be
checked a any cost.
In month the dove of peace had grown spurs.
1t is worth nothing that one of the most in
sistent demands that America intervene in
the Near East imbroglio came from noted
churchman. In the disordered condition ot
world affairs extreme pacifism shows strange
disregard IoF our OWN natlond Weldre anu
another form of blindness that should be en-
phasized. Most of our outspoken pacifists are
doubtless well-meaning persons, but there are
other so-called pacifists in this country who
are working behind the scenes for a sinister
purpose and are using the universal peace ad-
vocates as tools. They want America disarmed,
not for altruistic reasons, but to make her
impotent.
There is no reason why America should
plunge into an orgy Of military preparedness,
but there is every reason why we should main
tain an adequate national defense. That is all
Secretary Weeks, General Pershing, General
Hartford and other leaders ask for. They see
the danger signals that the pacifist will not
or cannot see.
The greatest single movement to reduce
ornaments and promote peace was made by
the arms conference in Washington. It's work
has not yet been ratified by all the powers
concerned, and the prospects of ratification
are somewhat remote.
It is not a question of what we would like
to have the world be, but what it actually is,
with little likelihood Of reform in the near
future. Until human nature improves con-
erably armies and navies win be neees-
sary as jails and police forces.
BANK CLEARINGS CONTINUE