A Vain Hope

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Oct 2, 1913

MANY have cherished the hope that we have reached an era of peace and good will among the nations of men, but the continued preparation for war on every side seems to give little foundation for the realization of this desire. The dedication of the Temple of Peace and the agitation connected with this movement have awakened hopes in many hearts. Many statesmen are exerting themselves to the utmost to bring about treaties which will insure the world's future peace; but even many of these peace advocates contend that the best guaranties are strong navies and well-trained armies. Regarding this anomalous situation, particularly as applied to the United States, the Independent of September 11 says:—

We had hoped that with a Christian scholar for President, and an advocate of peace for Secretary of State, we might have a moderate naval program, one even more peaceable than what we had under President Taft. But Secretary Daniels of the Navy Department wants three or four of the biggest vessels of war to be built every year, and money put thus into fighting ships on the water rather than into any equipment on shore. Secretary Meyer was satisfied with two battle-ships and the required accessories, but Secretary Daniels seems to smell war ahead, and accepts all the General Naval Board asks for.