The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1895-12-07
NAVAL CONSTRUCTION.

The people of the United States have
very generally approved of the rebuilding
OF our navy. and It's growth during the past
twelve years has been a source of no little
pride to those who would see the govern
ment properly prepared 10 look after the
interests of its citizens both at home and
abroad. OF course there are those who be-
Eeve we do not need navy and that the
money expended in building one is a mere
waste Of public funds. but such people are
those who marl1 out the destiny OF a ma
ton on theoretical lines OF peace and have
little or no conception OF the practical
needs OF the times The great majority
is behind the government in its work OF
restoring It's navy and they Will no doubt
look for as great an advance in the future
as has been made in the past.
Secretary Herbert's recent suggestions
will be quite universally approved. He
urges a st!ll further increase of the navy.
and suggests that an inspection of the ex-
hibit made OF the relative strength of ma
v.es win furnish al the argument now
needed for the continuation OF the build
ing programme heretofore indicated by ths
action OF congress. This exhibit is inter
esiing It shows that Great Britain has in
service ga war vessels. France III. Russia
100. Germany "a. the Netherlands %, Italy
II. while the United States has 60. being
thus seventh in rank among the naval
powers though when we shall have com
pleted the vessels authorized and building
We will be on an equality with Germany.
assuming that power does not in the mean
while increase fits naval force beyond the
number now authorized.
We shall have eight battleships when
those authorized and under construction
are completed. there being now three in
commission. and while this is Il small
showing as compared with some OF the
great naval powers. the country will prob
ably have TO be content with IL for some
years. The secretary OF the navy says we
are iamentably deficient ia torpedo boats
and he recommends the construction OF
twelve more. There are now but two in
commission and In this respect the United
States is far behind any other country
that pretends 10 have a navy. There are
seven more authorized and under con-
structlon. but even with this addition we
are yet inferior 10 Argentine. Chile and
China. This recommendation. therefore.
Is one that viii Toe carefully considered as
being one that does not suggest needless
eKtravaEauce.
II We were not In such n wretched con-
dition financially. with the revenues OF the
government steadily falling below the ex-
pe0dtures. there Is no doubt congress
would take an OF Secretary Herbert's adj
vice under serious consideration and en-
( deavor TO construct a good part OF the
/ vessels he recommends. But until our
/ revenues show surplus Il is not probable
| that it viii be deemed safe TO engage in
/ very much new construction work. Mr..
Herbert wants two new battleshlpS. but
4 with no money 70 build them his request
+ cannot very Well he compiled with It
may pa that \ way can be found for con-
/ STRUGGLING a few now torpedo boats. which
/ are mainly for defensive service and COM
F paratively inexpensive. but any very ex-
/ tensivs outlay Will. under the circum-
( stances b. an imposslbuity. When the
national treasury shall have again been
+ placed In \ sound healthy condition there
/ IL no question the people VIII approve
/ the expenditure % whatever amount OF
! money Is necessary 10 provide us with a
/ navy adequate 20 the defense q. the coun-
/ Try and necessary fer properly maintain
/ ing our prestige abroad.