New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-08-06

torpedo and the dynamite shell. However, II ,hi. ia I'M
pracuosue and In the Judgment Of Admiral Walker and
VINO are engaged In the reconstructIon Of the Navy
IL becomes necessary 70 build these great armo,ed shis
shall be as ready any TO the eoe q. ,h., end
though believe In reducing taxation To tho minimum.
(Applause1
Mr. Hewitt closed his address with a hearty as
surance OF cordial welcome to the men composing
the United States Navy whenever they should find
themselves in the harbor Of New York. fApplause1
With the suggestion that in the event Of an IRON
clad feet entering New-York Harbor to levy tribute
their guns would naturally be turned first ppon the
Equitable Building, Mr.. Smith thought II wouId be
proper for some representative Of that structure to
have an opportunity 10 say few words on tls sub
ject and he. therefore, called upon j. W. Alexanoer
Mr.. Alexander responded with a pleasant and witty
address, introducing two three humorous anecdotes
Illustrating by the deductions how little he knew or
pretended 70 know. about naval matters beyond the
fact somehow other they were assocated IN his
mind with cold water.
President smith then suggested that F. q. Thurber
should speak representative Of the merchants Of
the city. Mr.. rhurber said, among other things.
think every American lad is imbu.d BY his education
and his admiration for the Navy with the idea
are nation with naval traditions Every one Of us has
read history OF our naval battles with feelings OF pride
and confidence ability the American Nation 10
assert itself the when occasion demands Yet the
condition Navy In the years has been an
anomaly and 1 think 1t appeals the heart OF every
American citizen assist In awakening interest IN the
necessities which exist in that connection think the
American merchant marine should he fostered as school
which Will supply Navy with when their ser.
vices may be required.
To my mind Is very unfortunate that it has become
sort tradition Of Of the great political parties Of
this country that they do the wisdom Of granting
subsidies for building up merchant as our COM
pettors in the worlds trade DO In order get
Of that trade. While the Democrats are very quick to
follow suit in the example by their opponents In
things Of more contracted interest when comes 70 mat
ters like this in connection with National Affairs they
seem 10 have a OF prejudice. We have not only got
20 have Navy but have got to have naval militia
back Il up l am not Jingost, but always had a
deep sympathy the sentiment expressed In the lines
1--WE do want TO fight,
But, By lingo, we do,
We've got the men, we've got the right,
And got the money too" (Applause)
Lieutenant Commander J. ". KILLER responded
for the Naval Reserve. He said he had been
impressed by the fact that Few-York. with all It's
great wealth was entirely unprotected from the feet
OF a foreign enemy. He had asked himself why the
NAVY of the United States did not have between 1t and
the people such organization as that which stood
between the Army and the p0puiace in the slape OF
militia The first object Of attack by foreign foe
would be New-YOrk. The approach would not be by
land. but by through Long Island Souna or the
Harbor There were many citizens OF New-lork de
voting their summers 10 pasmes on the water THESE
could easily become skilled in the duties pertaining 70
marine warfare In coast defence. The Naval Reserve
shoud consist OF Naval militia state organization
Or the protection Of NewYork IlarbOr These would
be adjunct Of the Naval service. Ihey snOulu ge
ing the conditions OF the Harbor ana also about the
marine cOmmssary department In time there YOU'D you'd
crow mn a National Naval Reserve embracing the Coast
Survey Department. the Lighthouse Boards and other
auxiliary resources Of the Government
When Lieutenant Commander Miller fnished hls al,
dress President smith announced the adjournment OF
the assemblage.