FOR PREFACE 'OR one truly to study the art and science of war, and its political and economic causes and effects, and then to attempt a work thereon with a claim of marked originality, is but to proclaim that one feels that the illustrious men, from the dawn of history to the present day, have been but fools. War and statesmenship are the oldest of great sciences, and while modern inventions have caused some changes, and civilization has lessened the surface causes of international struggles, their essential principles are still the same. When one studies these things and attempts to express one's thoughts, the result is but a repetition of the perhaps forgotten writings of notable men, both ancient and modern, both American and foreign. All that is left, therefore, is to apply these old, undying facts to things as they now exist, and in this case to the United States in particular. Nor is it necessary for me to express vague, unproven theories of my own. The approved authorities, even, in fact, my opponents, support me. I have therefore no apology to make for numerous quotations from great men and authorities soldiers, statesmen, scholars, and phi losophers of the present and the past. I but thank them for expressing what, mayhap, was beyond me. Similarly, as Professor R. M. Johnston, of Harvard, remarked in a letter to the author, "I oppose not the pacifist, but the pacifimaniac." I wish every success to those who strive to bring about the radical changes necessary for universal peace, but I warn against imaginary things which are not, and, in our life, cannot be. The statistics used herein have been compiled from the most reliable sources, mainly from official governmental reports. It is believed that they are the most accurate that can, at this time, be obtained. Small errors, however, would have but little bearing on the facts, for the figures selected may in most cases be divided twice and even thrice without affecting the material statements in this work in any appreciable degree. This book is written, therefore, inviting the opponents of its thesis to study the facts for themselves, and thereby be convinced; asking that but reasonable attention be given to the experts of our army and navy, and to our greatest statesmen. RICHARD STOCKTON, JR. Bordentown Military Institute, New Jersey, December, 1914. CONTENTS IV Will War ever be Abolished? X The Military History of the United States XI Economy of the Recommendations of the |