Hastings High School - Saxon Yearbook (Hastings, MI)

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V SAMUEL DICKIE. LL.D. President Albion College Our First Superintendent 1872-1876 Pat ttcenti -seven

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Commencement Parts Valedictory “Potential War at a ‘Dream of Peace Next year Virginia and our nation will celebrate the third centennial of the founding of historic Jamestown. In Hampton Roads, where that history-making contest took place between the Merrimac and the Moni- tor, the navy of our country will maneuver, and in sham battle stir the American heart with noble pride. But that same heart may also ask, “What does all this pageantry stand for? Can it be that these great forces will decide the peace of the future?” Let us inquire. A spirit of helpfulness and unity now pervades our commonwealth. Man works with man to attain a more perfect condi- tion of peace. Religion and education are the bases of our morality. And yet, though this state is among the foremost in such efforts, it finds necessary a stanch executive for preserving equality of rights among its citizens. Perfect harmony is not yet realized. Likewise the nation, however just its demands may be, finds that occasionally some question arises which requires the strong arm of force. In such a crisis the army and navy must be called into action. That this army and navy may be effective in the preservation of peace, they must be ready. There must be constant training if the army shall reach a high standard of efficiency. In the construction of one battleship, five or six years are necessary, and its officers must thor- oughly understand their duty. Therefore armies must be organized and navies made ready in time of peace. Rear Admiral Luce has well said, “To He prepared for war is the role of that naval strategy which belongs to the period of peace. To be in the right place at the right time, and with adequate force, means success by check-mating your adversary in the first few moves. Campaigns have been won without firing a shot by skillful strategic movements.” If a country is well armed, it can demand justice for itself or for others. Strength secures prestige. As in the great sea of air, the eagle, formidable with its powerful wings and talons, holds its sway with almost undisputed authority, so the nation with effective means for guarding its rights, maintains the respect of other nations. On the other hand, can the United States alone disarm in safety' Ail the great powers of today are constantly appropriating money for the purpose of increasing and holding their navies to a high standard. Since the United States, with her many miles of seacoast, has great interests in commerce, an industry of vital importance to the future of the country, there is great danger of complications upon the waters. In this event, if disarmed, she must yield in the face of these great arma- ments, unable to command justice. Therefore, until all the nations of the world shall disarm by mutual consent, and shall unite in self-denial and in +agt twenty-runt