New-York tribune., 1898-12-26
Nem21ork Dailp Gribm,re
MONDAY. DECEMBER 26. 1898.
THE NATIONS STRENGTH.


The true strength of the Nation is better I'M
derstood than 1t has been and yet is not entirely
appreciated by its own people. 1t has been
increased almost beyond calculation in the es-
timation of foreign countries by the events of
the last year. which have demonstrated that in
any foreign conflict this Nation is absolutely and
even passlonately united The notion that there
was large body Of people at the South who
would be disposed under some circumstances to
seize upon foreign embodiment as opportunity
for renewing a struggle for separation was evil
IDENTITY entertained seriously and strongly by
multitudes abroad and had formed one basis
OF many diplomatic calculations Though most
Americans knew better. even they were not
prepared for the completely united and ex-
treinely hearty Outburst of patriotic feeling
when occasion for war arose Americans are
stronger in their own estimation for know
Ing how completely they are one and much
stronger In the estimation of all other nations
Tor the demonstration that there are ready to
uphold the flag and the honor of the Nation
not any fraction. great or small but the whole
OF 100000 free people. 1t is not a force
which will be by any lightly considered
The recent comparisons which indicate that
this country Is the fourth Of the world in naval
strength do ii some injustice. 1t is the fact
now, as IL has been found in every naval strug-
gle since the birth of this Nation that its sea-
men show a marked superiority over those Of
other nations in their accuracy and skill in
handling ships and weapons; and that advan-
tage Is not one likely to disappear. but sure to
increase. because it is founded on permanent
characteristics OF the people They are pre-
emnently the too, and machine handling pco-
pie Of all the world. natural bent In that d.
rection having been increased by many gen.
erations of training and by the wonderful de-
veopment Of their Industries, so that a grea ter
share of Americans understand tools and are
trained 20 their use than OF any other people
II Is TO be added that the training In the Navy
according to all testimony. has been In that
respect more effective than the training In other
navies. Both by sea and by land American
forces ought TO be more effective than the num-
Der Of men or guns would indicate because
modern war Is an affair OF machines.
But there is one other advantage. This Ma
ton can command to-day a greater Of
money. without counting upon the help or
countenance Of any other. than any Power in
the world unless Great Britain be excepted. As
respects financial strength, this Nation Is more
independent than Great Britain herself in hav.
ing its own supplies of food and no Intricate
complications with the money markets OF other
great nations close nj hand. On the sea Amer
can power in any emergency will depend largely
upon American resources. No one can guess
what number of vessels might be quickly Sc
cured on the approach Of such an emergency
by the Nation having instant command OF the
largest resources. If S1.OO0.O0O.00O were offered
when the Nation wanted $200.0O0,o0O at 3 pei
cent something must be allowed for ready re-
sources in an age when wars are fought with
money
II Is not the desire OF any patriotic American
TO encourage the spirit which would pick q
quarrel In truth. the strong and general
disinclination for war on the part OF the great
majority Of American citizens has been. to
those who knew them best. source Of some
apprehension until this year. Nor can q full