Excerpt from Splendid Deeds of American Heroes on Sea and Land, Vol. 1: Embracing a Comprehensive Summary of the Glorious Naval and Military Events From Washington to Dewey; Living Issues
In the portion of this work which treats of "Splendid Deeds" we are brought face to face with the question: "Is war ever justifiable?" And, connected with this interrogatory, is the further question: "Should the deeds of war be enlarged upon and even glorified?"
The admirable words of the Rev. F. A. Noble, D. D., which follow this introduction, uttered in the presence of many of the brave heroes of our great civil war, will answer fully the first question.
We may say in reply to the second interrogation, that no nation which is worthy to live can sever itself from its past history and disparage the deeds of the men who have helped give it life, continuance, progress and glory. God has put the martial spirit in the breasts of men. It is not a mere survival of a savage ancestry. It is to be a constant force. The youthful spirit must be ever ready to do and dare. Woe to that people when the fires of a generous, self-sacrificing enthusiasm among them shall have died out.
Until the better day shall come, as come it surely will, when nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more, we must have a well disciplined army and a formidable navy. We must be ready to maintain our providential position among the nations of the earth. By the very possession of the warlike means of self-preservation, and by the unquestioned ability to use them, we shall be able to secure ultimately the peace of mankind.
In the unfolding years the martial spirit will not be displayed in the maiming and killing of men. It will find its expression in fighting the great moral battles which will be constantly imminent, until the millennial glory shall flood the globe.
In "Splendid Deeds" we have narrated the conflicts with England, with Mexico, with our brethren of the South, with Spain and with the Filipinos. The wars are all over, thank God, except the contest with the guerrilla bands in our island possessions.
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