It is a year and four months now since we declared the German Government was making war on America.  We are beginning to see what our requirements are.  We had a small but efficient standing army, and a larger but less efficient National Guard.  These have been increased by enlistments.  We have a new national force,—­never to be designated as Conscripts, but as the accepted soldiers of a whole Nation that has volunteered, of almost unlimited numbers.  By taxation and by three Liberty Loans, each over-subscribed by more than fifty per cent, we have demonstrated that there will be no lack of money.  The problem of the production and conservation of food is being met, though not yet without some inconvenience, yet so far with very little suffering.  The remaining factor is the production of the necessary materials for carrying on the war.  We lack ships and military supplies.  Whether these are secured in time in sufficient quantity will depend in a large measure upon the attitude of the people managing and employed in these industries.  The attitude of the leaders of organized labor has been patriotic.  They realize that this is a war to preserve the rights that have been won for the people, and they have at all times advised their fellow workmen to remain at work.  There must be forbearance on all sides.  Where wages are too low they should be increased voluntarily.  Where there is disagreement the Government has provided means for investigation and adjustment.  Our industrial front must keep pace with our military front.

We are demonstrating the ability of America.  Within the last few days the report has come to us that our soldiers have defeated the Prussian Guard.  The sneer of Germany at America is vanishing.  It is true that the German high command still couple American and African soldiers together in intended derision.  What they say in scorn, let us say in praise.  We have fought before for the rights of all men irrespective of color.  We are proud to fight now with colored men for the rights of white men.  It would be fitting recognition of their worth to send our American negro, when that time comes, to inform the Prussian military despotism on what terms their defeated armies are to be granted peace.

While the victories that have recently come to our arms are most encouraging, they should only stimulate us to redoubled efforts.  The only hope of a short war is to prepare for a long one.  In this work the States play a most important part.  Massachusetts must be kept so organized and governed as to continue that able, effective, and prompt cooeperation with the National Government that has marked the past progress of the war.  In this we have a great part to do here.  It was for such a task that the Republican Party came into being sixty-four years ago.  One of the resolutions adopted at its birth peculiarly dedicates it to the requirements of the present hour.

“Resolved, that in view of the necessity of battling for the first principles of republican government and against the schemes of an aristocracy, the most revolting and oppressive with which the earth was ever cursed, or man debased, we will cooeperate and be known as ‘Republicans’ until the contest be terminated.”