New Britain herald., 1924-06-26
COLE AND PREPAREDNESS

COLE AND PREPAREDNESS
 The sabre-rattling address of Ad- iutant General George Nj. Cole in this city yesterday did not aid the cause of preparedness. His attack upon some churches for their refusal to squirm under the thumb of militarists. and for their refusal to substitute their views in place of the divine guidance of the Prince of Peace, was unjusti- fled and unwise.
 The kind of preparedness that the adiutant general favors appears to be militarism in its most subtle form the kind of militarism that the world war is supposed to have been fought to eliminate.
 The impression gained from his re- marks is that he believes the world must go armed to the teeth. each na- ton under the spacious plea of ultra preparedness with national suspicious, hatred and war-msking imperialism carefully nourished.
 His idea seems to be that war must follow war, each getting worse than any of its forerunners. His mind, like the mentality of all professional mili- tartsts, is not disposed 10 find the cause of war and uproot it. The main Idea is more war.
 The influence of the churches is on the side of international accord. They could not be otherwise if they remain cd true 10 the fundamental tenets of religious belief. They point 10 the international boundary between Cana da and tho United States and truth fully say that the absence of soldiers, sarships and forts along the boundary has resulted in more than a century of peace, They gather proof from thls that the same perpetual peace can be won for all nations by adoption Of the same means
 The conception Of s league Of na- tons, the world court, tho Washing ton disarmament conference-all arc anathema to professional militarists. Such ideals not only interfere with the possibility of more war, but tend 10 eliminate this devastating pastime al- together.
 Another conference for the rcduc- ton of land forces, air forces and cur tailment of poison gas Is certain 10 be called in due time. The churches will be effective aids in the movement.
 What is preparedness, anyway? Isn't it entirely relative? Too much preparedness In one nation results in . similar afliction fin other nations: each is not only prepared to defend Itself. but 10 attack. Human nature being what it is." as the adlutant gem eral says. the urge 10 attack easily snbmerges tho urge to resist.
 The trouble in Europe for genera iions has been too much preparedness Before the world war broke out they were all well prepared 10 keep the peace. Austria would never have sent Its indefensiblc ultimatum to Serbia had its militarists not had too much confidence in its well-prepared army. The others, not lacking in huge armed forces. did not lack confidence. They were victims of the great illusion"
 The duty of this nation is 10 educate and lead the remainder Of the civilized world along better and more promising methods It should he prepared 10 resist aggression, but not unressonabiy prepared; and should be willing to foster disarmament and meet others half way. Professional pseiasts arc equally ss obnoxious as professional miiHsnsts The people favor safe middle course. which is reasonable pfepa rednsss as distinguished from aggressive preparedness to uare war rather than preparsdHess te insure peaca.
 1 good start has been made More progress is iH sight. It Is to be re- Frefted that military aud nstai men are disincHned to bcip bu' they are fighting losing battle when they at- tempt to stand in tha way of efforts ] ip insure gniaersHI pggee--a dream that is bound 10 CUme true as ciyiiiza- . tion learns from the mistakes of inc past.
 TILL OIL SUIT
 Like prorcfbiai bot from clear