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If, keeping the instructions of our Sovereign ever graven on our hearts,
we serve earnestly and diligently, and putting forth our full
strength, await what the hour may bring forth, we shall then have
discharged our great duty of perpetually guarding our country.
Heaven gives the crown of victory to those only who by habitual
preparation win without fighting, and at the same time forthwith
deprives of that crown those who, content with one success, give
themselves up to the ease of peace. The ancients well said:
"Tighten your helmet strings in the hour of victory."
(Dated) 21st December, 1905.
TOGO HEIHACHIRO.
I commend the above address to every man who is or may be a part of
the fighting force of the United States, and to every man who
believes that, if ever, unhappily war should come, it should be so
conducted as to reflect credit upon the American nation.
THEODORE ROOSEVELT.
CHARIES J. BONAPARTE,
Secretary.