Hutchinson gazette. [volume] (Hutchinson, Kan.) 1895-1902, 1898-09-08
race 8 not noarly ApproaohIng Ita ,an-

can spread and ma ample employment
without taking TO the sea, That may
become necessary In the future, when
the territory OF this country becomes
more densely settled.
Mr.. Hall OF Missouri. Does not the
gentleman know that the shipments
abroad amount TO BOO, 200, 900 a yearp
Mr.. Simpson. am aware Of that;
and aleo aware Of tho fact that II Is not
carried In American vessels.
Mr.. Hall OF Missouri. | understand
that; but that IS our commerce with
foreign nations,
Mr.. Pendleton OF West Virginia. But
what would be the effect on the West 1.
that we're interruptedp
Mr.. Simpson. There is no possibility
OF an interruption OF that foreign trade,
because the nation that attempted to
blockade our ports would starye her
own citizens.
Mr.. Money. Mr.. Chairman, | want
order In the committee. This is o very
important question, and the gentleman
is debating II with ability. | want TO
hear him.
The Chairman, The commlttee will
bO In order,
Mr., Simpson, AS was saying, the
condition Of certain different nations
is such as to compel them to adopt
different modes Of occupation. had
called attention to the fact that Great
confined TO small territory,
had been compelled TO take to the sea;
and that is the condition largely Of
Germany, Of Italy, and other crowded
They must resort to some
OF livelihood for 80 large popu-
lation, and 80 commerce on the ocean
has grown up under those circumstanc-
90 and they have built up this enor-
nous number OF ocean marine.
They are prepared, ready and will.
ing to do the carrying trade OF the
world at a cheaper rate, 1t appears,
that we can do II ourselves; and 80,
Instead OF building up our ocean marine
under the present conditions, we have
been compelled to employ others; and
why have we done thlsp Because 1t Is
more profitable. When it ceases to be
loss profitable than building our own
ships, then we will have an ocean
and then, under the better
that will exist, the neces.
,lty even Of having a navy will pass
away. hope by that time men will
have learned the great lesson, OF which
This country has set the example, that
The way to settle all international dis
putes is by arbitration, and peaceably
and not by cutting each others throat
with u navy or other means.
Now, II thought this was necessary;
II believed for the protection OF this
the preservation Of the pro-
perty, and the defense of the citizens
Of this great Republic this appropria'
ticn was necessary, | would not oppose
II. But, as said before in the FIRST
place, recent events have proved be-
yond doubt that the battle ship
does not answer the purposes for
which 1t was intended, as a means of
defense In warfare, and, In the next
place, the battle ship Is not an avail
able craft for coast defense, particu-
arly in this country, because many OF
our harbors are 80 shallow that she can
not enter them.
Again, the rapid development along
The line Of explosives, will In my opinion,
In very few years make her a useless
for defense. believe that II
Il is necessary to increase our naval
'orce at all, which l deny, we could
sxpend the money very much more
In the construction OF
cruisers aud torpedo boatS and tor the
harbor deienses In the shape Of improv-
I'd ordinances. | am aware that there Is
always a large pecuniary interest be-
hind these appropriations There are
many firms that are always anxious to
get these contracts which involve 81
enormous expenditures OF money, be-
cause whenever firm or man gets a
Fat contract from the Government there
10 ample opportunity to make lot OF
out OF It; but we are here as
representative OF the people, and 1t, Is
our duty to see that their money Is
wisely expended II 1t is expended at all,
and In view Of the present conditions
of the people | think that this Is an