The times., 1897-09-05

/
nation may be, IL ought never - be with
/ out an adequate stock of military knowi-
/ edge for emergencies. This lack would
| impair the energy of its character and
| hazard its safety or expose TO greater
| evils when war could not be avoided; be-
sides that, war might not often depend up
| Oh its own choice. In proportion as the OBJ
| seryance OF pacific maxims might exempt
| nation from the necessity or practicing
the ules OF the military art ought to be
/ its care in preserving and transmitting
| by proper establishments, the knowledge
| of that art. The art of war is at once
comprehensive and complicated. 1t de-
nands much previous study, and the pos
! session OF IL in its most improved and per
feet state is always OF great moment To
the security of a nation.
John Adams.
May 16, 1897 Naval power is the natu-
raj defense of the United States.
December s, 1898 demonstrating by
our conduct that we do not fear war, for
/ necessary protection OF our rights and
honor, We saall give no roCsam to infer tnat
We abandon the desire of peace. Efficient
preparation for war can alone insure
peace.
James Madison.
MAY 20, IS13-The brilliant achieve
ments Of our infant Navy claim the highest
| praise and the full recompense provided
/ by congress.
Decenlber 3, 1s15-The signal services
! which have been rendered by our Navy
and the capacities ii has developed for
| successful cooperation in the national
| defense viii give TO that portion of the
public force its fun value in the eyes of
\ Congress. To preserve the ships we now
| have in q found state, TO complete those
already contemplated, TO provide amply
/ for prompt augmentations, Is dictated by
the soundest policy.
James Monroe.
January so, 1s24-In the late war our
| whole coast was either invaded or menaced
with invasion. There was scarcely an
! harbor or CITY on any OF our great inlets
| which could he considered secure. in what
ever direction the enemy chose to move
! with their squadrons and To land their
/ troops our Notifications, where any eX-
| is.ed, presented but little obstacle to them
These occurrences demonstrate
| clearly that in the wars of other powers
we can rely only on force for the protection
| OF our neural rights, and that in any war
in which we may be engaged hereafter
with a strong naval power the expense,
| waste ana other calamitles attending il,
considering the vast extent of our mari
| Jine frontier, cannot fan, unless 1t Toe de
fended by adequate Qualifications and
suitable naval force, tg correspond with
those which Were experienced in the late
war.
John quincy Adams.
December c, Is25-A military marine is
the only arm by which our power can be
estimated or felt by foreign nations, and
the only standing military force which
/ can never be dangerous 10 our Liberty. A
| permanent naval peace establishments,
adapted 10 cur PRESENT condition and adj
aptabe u that gigantic growth with
which the nation il advancing in its
career, is among the subjects W hich have
already occupied the foresight OF the last
| Congress.
December :, ls26-We have twelve line
of-batile ships, twenty frigates, and sloops
of war in proportion, which, with few
months of preparation, may present line
II ilo4 ting Qualifications along the whole
| range Of our coast. Combined with a sys-
TEN uf fonificatious upon the shores them
selves, IL has placed in our possession the
most effective sinews of war and has left
US at once an example and a lesson from
| which our own duties may be inferred.
| The gradual increase Of the Navy was
| the principle Of " hich the act OF 23th
April, 1916, was the development. II was
| the Introduction OF a system TO act upon
| the character and history OF our own coun-
try for an indefinite series OF ages. 1t was
| a deciaTa ton Of that Congress TO their CON
! Etituents and 10 pCsterity that it was
the destiny and the duty OF the United
| States 70 become in regular process Of time
! and by no petty advances a great naval
| power.
Andrew jackson.
March 4, lS2e-The increase OF our Navy,
whose flag has displayed in distant climes
our skill in navigation and our fame in
| arms, the preservation of Our forts, arse
| mails, and dOckya rds, and the introduction
| Of progressive improvements in the dscip-
| line and science of both bran ches Of our
| military service, are so plainly prescribed
| 10y prudence, that I should be excused for
| emitting their mention sooner than for
enlarging on their Importance.
| December S, IS29-Constituting, as the
Navy does, the best standing security of
| this country against foreign aggression,
! II claims the especial attention of Govern
| ment, ana should continue TO lie cherished
as the offspring OF our national experience.
March 4, IS3T.-No nation, however de
| sirous OF peace, can hope 70 escape oc-
| casiolal collisions with other powers, and
the soundest dictates of policy require
! that we should place ourselves in posi-
| ton 20 assert our rights if d resort TO
| force should ever become necessary. Our
| local situation, our long line Of seacoast,
| indented by numerous bays, with deep
| rivers opening into the interior, as well as
our exten nded and still increasing & commerce,
| point 10 the Navy as our natural means of
| defense. 1t VIII in the end be found TO
| be the cheapest and most effectual, and
now is the time, in a season or peace,
/ that we can year after year add to its
strength without increasing the burdens Of
the people. 1t rs your true policy, for
your Navy viii not only protect your rich
! and flourisbing commerce in distant seas,
/ but Will enable You to reach and annoy
! the enemy, and will give TO defense its
| greatest efficiency by meeting dar ger at
a distance from home IL Is impossible
| by any line of fortification 10 guard every
| point from attack against a hostile force
! advancing from the ocean and selecting
! its object, but they are Indispensable To
| protect cities from bombardment, dock
yards and arsenals from destruction, 40
| give shelter to merchant vessels in time of
war and TO single ships or weaker squad
rons when pressed by superior force Forti-
| ncations OF this description can not be too
soon completed and armed and placed in a
| condition of the most perfect preparation.
The abundant means we now possess can
not be applied in any manner more useful
| to the country, and when this is done and
our naval force sufficiently strengthened
we need not fear that any nation Will
| wantonly insult US, or needlessly provoke
hostilities We shall more certainly
| preserve peace when it is well unde rstood
| that we are prepared for war.
John Tyler.
December Z, 1S41.-Every effort will be
made TO add to the efficiency of the Navy,
| and | cannot too strongly urge upon you
liberal appropriations to that branch Of
the public service. / would most
earnestly recommend the increase and
prompt equipment of that gallant Navy
which has lighted up every sea with its