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Hon. Joseph R. Choate,
31 Pine St.,
New York City.

My Dear Sir:—

I do not believe that the United States is in the slightest danger of attack by any outside enemy. The nations of Europe are straining all their energies to defend themselves in the present war and to perpetuate their existence. They have no resources to send ships and armies three thousand miles across the sea to attack the nation with more potential power than any on earth. After this war is over, I think the world will be tired of war, and we will have an age of peace.

In my opinion the President of the United States and his advisers have a proper conception of this situation, and are ready to urge Congress to adopt any measures necessary to provide for our defense, and to assert in every way the rights and dignity of our country, and of all its citizens. With great respect for you organization, and for the ability and the patriotism of the men who are promoting it, I think that it is unnecessary and may tend to engender in this country a spirit of militaryism that shall burden our people with tremendous expense for war equipment, and create a desire for war rather than hope that we be at peace with all the world. A spirit of righteousness to all men, and just consideration to all nations has been the diplomacy adopted by the President of the United States. It has won magnificently. It has given this country a higher place than she would have had if her policy had been one of arbitrary dictation backed by force.

With the highest regards,

[unsigned]