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.