State Papers and Addresses

agencies for subversive -purposes have been established in our midst. In pre-
paring for our defense against what may come, we are compelled to take notice
that in this regard it is a condition—a dangerous condition—and no longer a
question or theory that confronts us.

The enemy, as planned and directed from abroad, is already to the extent
of many thousands, perhaps hundreds of thousands, within our gates. - The
difficulties in dealing with these agencies are many, but the necessity is great.
They work in great secrecy, and with an ingenuity which at times is almost
incredible. They frequently ensnare and mislead some of our own people who
are fundamentally honest and patriotic. Then again, the nature of our institu-
tions and the liberality of our laws, will frequently be found to afford these
very enemies a protection they do not deserve. Way and means, however, must
be found, whereby these nests of disunion and disloyalty may be discovered and
stamped out.

Unless this is done, these agencies will undermine the morale of great por-
tions of our people, delay the production of the instrumentalities necessary for
our defense; and be constantly conniving at our betrayal and destruction.

The question to be determined in America, is whether we can sufficiently
organize and discipline ourselves to meet the efficiency and brute force of the
Dictator-Nations, without imparing our system of government, or losing our
essential liberties. We all know that the answer to that question must be in
the affirmative, and we are confident that it will be. Whatever sacrifices are
necessary will be made, whatever cost is required will be met, and whatever
temporary adjustments prove helpful will be carried out. We of this generation
will keep faith with our 1'oiefathers. We will preserve the Nation they founded,
and we will pass on to our descendents the same democratic form of govern-
ment, and the same individual liberty and freedom which always have been
and, God willing, always will be the heritage of the American people.