Evening star., 1935-12-31

fits all other nations are enjoying.
The only real objection made to the
vesting of this discretionary power
in the Chief Executive, other than
the old one of too much power in
one man." is that it would afford an
opportunity to q President to involve
us in foreign conflicts and possibly
war This is ridiculous in the ex-
treme. Why should any one be so
much alarmed over merely giving to
the President discretionary power
over embargoes to belligerent nations,
when under our Constitution, he has
by far greater powers as Commander
in-Chief of the Army and Navy and
could involve us in war any time if
he so desired.
Stronger National Defense.
There will undoubtedly be some
discussion and possibly action will be
taken toward strengthening our ma
tional defense The disturbed con-
ditions in various parts of the world
make it very certain that this sub
ject will be brought to the front in
some very definite way, perhaps in
the War and Navy appropriation bills.
One powerful nation has its armies
now on the soil of another less power
full, and frankly avows its intention
OF taking over control of all or
portion of the smaller nations terri
tory for its own purposes. Another
powerful nation in the Far East, by
force of arms and intrigue, is gradu-
ally dismembering the extensive en-
pire of one of the most peacefully
world, and there are disturbing
rumors of other complications which
threaten the peace of the entire
world.
THE horrors of the World War
seem to have been already forgotten
by some of the nations of the world.
What should be the disposition of our
country in view of The turmoil and
war-like demonstrations to the East
and the West of us? Happily it has
determined to steer clear of these
| foreign Quarrels and entanglementS.
I do not subscribe to the sentiments
recently expressed to the effect that
war is probable between our country
and one of these nations. Even if, as
was alleged. that nation were so dis
posed. it has troubles nearer its own
border which must first be looked
after. I do not believe that there is
any immediate danger of our country
haPCn1inO iI1UOlUpd n nf these
other foreign complications. Our
people are opposed to war and will
not look with tolerance upon any one
who seeks to involve our nation in
the conflicts of other countries. There
is a very strong feeling. however,
that this country should be prepared
for any unexpected eventuality and
that it should be second to none in
| its defenses: that the Surest way to
| guarantee our peace is to be ready for
any contingency. 1 am frank to say
| that am in sympathy with this view.
| We have an extended coast line both
on the East and the West, and are
| open TO attack either from the sea or
/ the air on all sides. I am perfectly
we'll aware that there are a good
many loyal citizens who do not agree
with this view, and who feel that we
should really decrease rather than in
crease our armamentS for defense,
but l have always believed that rea-
sonable preparedness, so long as other
nations are increasing their arma-
mentS. is the best and Surest guaran-
tee of peace. Certainly so long as the
present unrest and war-like conditions
prevail, it seems to me that We should
keep our land, air end naval forces
up to the proper standard and be un-
surpassed in our ability to protect our
selves in the event Of attack. We al!
hope, of course, that the time to adVo-
cate such action when other nations
for one reason or another are increaS-
ing their fighting strength.
"One question which is agitating
the public mind at the present time is
the Townsend old age pension plan
Undoubtedly, this movement has
gained strength in certain portions o!
our country and efforts will be madt
in The coming session to bring it tc
the front. The proposal to pay S2oC
per month TO a person when h:
reaches the age Of so years is an at
tractive one and enlists many sup
porters who do not stop to consider
the difficulty and the impoSsibilty o1
financing. Its supporters have pro-
posed a per cent tax upon all trans
actions which would greatly increase
the cost Of living for the masses OF
people, and at the same time would, Sc
the experts tell us, fall far short o.