HILL— WORLD ORGANIZATION. 329 



■ For this purpose it is only a confession of feebleness to depend 

 upon alliances. There is no strength in a rope of sand, and no posi- 

 tive result can come of the mere addition of nullities. If conflict be- 

 comes necessary, someone must bear the brunt of it. The future 

 peace and order of the world depend upon the attitude of the great 

 nations. To be a great nation, and at the same time to refuse to 

 assume a great nation's responsibilities, is a recreant evasion of duty. 

 Applying this doctrine to the United States of America, our in- 

 fluence for peace and justice will be in proportion to our strength. 

 If we are weak, our only safety lies in silence ; but in a great moment 

 silence is dishonorable. If we would speak with effect, we must be 

 strong. We do not require a great standing army, but we should 

 be able, in case of need, promptly to place in the field an army pro- 

 portional to the nation's territorial extent ; for it is that which we 

 may be called upon to defend. But above all, we should be strong 

 upon the sea ; for it is there that the destinies of the world are to be 

 determined. 



Washington, 

 April, 1916. 



