The times., 1899-03-11
SATURDAY, MARCH IL. 1929,
s Modern Navy.

Although England has more than three
hundred warships in commission, of which
more than fifty are armOred vessels she
has increased her naval appropriation if
teen million dollars, mostly for shipbuild-
ing. over that of last year. Some five
thousand men Will be added to her naval
force. Yet last year was one of the most
active in the history OF her navy because
Of her strained feelings toward France.
Her relations with that country have i'm
proved and the fears of a conflict over
Chinese questions have subsided. It would
seem natural that she should take advan-
tage OF the situation to reduce such ex-
penses. But England's motto is that the
price Of peace is readiness for war. The
truth Of this has been fully demonstrated
In her experience. Absolutely alone among
the nations of Europe at a time when GER
tain powers had special cause of grievance
against her. she escaped 4 conflict simply
because of her naval strength.
America can afford TO profit in some
measure by her example. There is no sys-
TEN OF government, no other policy, that
ran fully insure great country against
other policy that would not cause every
high-EEiGded citizen 10 blush for his flag
We have seen Americans treated con-
temptuoEsly and rudely where English
men and Germans have been accord
ed uncommon respect. 1t is because it
is known that nose two countries are
prompt to resent an insult or an injustice
TO the humblest Of their citizens. while
America, having no navy, was without the
power TO discipline even so small State
as Chile. The defeat of Spain by this
country has effected a great change in
this respect. Perhaps We are more hearth
ly disliked in Europe than before, but we
are feared.
The English admiral. Colomb has point
ed cut what he considers grave errors in
he naval programme OF our war with
Spain. and he infers that with more for
midable foe We might have Jared badly
In spite of such criticisms, however, al
Europe has been impressed by the worI
II our warships and We are in much les;
Sanger of being drawn into bitter contro.
gersies. 1t is not certain that the Ber-
In government would be so eager 10 dis
sipate our suspicious of German friend
.iness if there mad been no display of oul
lighting qualities. But just as England
finds il expedient to continue to improve
her superlative navy, so it is importan-
That this country should increase ratheI
than diminish its naval standing 1t i.
not possible to count on our geographical
isolation TO exempt US from the danger:
uf war. 1t has become imperative that VT
should reach out for the worlds trade. ant
sharp industrial rivalry increases the op.
portuuities for friction with other nations
This is not a country that can be lureC
into lighting by the possession of fighting
instruments. We are an industrial peopi,
and are not disposed to sacrifice bust
ness for glory when it can be avoided b!
sny honorable means.
In the long run Congress acts accordiu.
10 the dictates Of popular sentiment. /
public opinion should become firmly fixe,
on navy not notably inferior to thos
OF other nations except Great Britain. tn
danger of a sudden reduction of the naya
estimates such as the last Congress aimos
made, would be removed. UndoubtedI
the possession Of the Philippines increase
the need for warships. but apart from that
the country should approve the policy O
maintaining a thoroughly modern navy.