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It is easily understood that patriotic feelings may bewilder
the judgment, and that our nation, with its brilliant war
memories, can only with difficulty perceive this simple truth,
and with reluctance accommodate itself to the changed
condition which modern times have created.
Let us, however, realize that we are standing at the parting
of the ways; that we have before us the alternative, on the
one hand, of a barren and ruinous militarism; on the other,
the seeking of our defence in a neutrality guaranteed by the
united powers; making it possible for us to get our defence
adjusted, without any very great difficulty, and settled upon
a footing so satisfactory.
The first-named alternative would, in our naturally poor
land, excessively depress our natural vitality, and in a great
degree prevent our progress as a cultured people keeping
pace with greater and wealthier nations. The second would
put us into a position to confine our military burdens
within reasonable limits, and to expend the powers and
resources of prosperity thus relieved, in means of promoting
business, trade, science, and well-being of all kinds.
The clear-sighted friend of his country, who sees the
population in ever-swelling numbers leaving their homes for a
foreign shore, seeking a new fatherland, will surely not
hesitate in his choice.
It will perhaps be said that such a choice does not now
lie before us. There are two opinions about that. But in
one thing we may all unite, namely, that a settled neutrality
for Sweden is a thing to be aimed at. Here almost every
interest of the fatherland converges.
But if such a neutralization is considered by many not a
sufficient peace-protection under all circumstances, yet no
one with reason can deny that it does form a security
for our country against foreign powers.
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