The Guthrie daily leader. [volume] (Guthrie, Okla.) 1893-1996, 1899-06-07
Admiral Sampson
Writes About the Navy

New York, June G.-Ihe lind pendent
This week will contain an article by Rear
Admiral Sampson, On winch he says:
81 have long believed the navy OF the
United states ls not equal to the needs
of the nation. uld in spite of our victor
es. the events 0f the past year have
tended strongly to confirm the view held
before She war began. For an army in-
crease I fail To- see the necessity It is
hardly conservative that we could use a
large army except for wars OF foreigR
ronquosts which the sentiment OF our
country would moi permit No power en-
cept Great Britain could hope TO attack
us successfully upon the land NO two
powers combined could hope TO effect
anythlEg against us by sending an army
Go this country
"Three thousand miles OF water pro-
tect MS from AN save one possible enemy
Great Brtain-who has OF late shown
most Enthusiastically that she desires per
manent peace ana the closest friend
ship. lie attitude IS au that could be de-
sired do not believe that there is any
room for doubt as 20 the good faith Of
The English They really wish our friend.
ship and are prepared to make sacrifices
to secure IT,
Foreign armies therefore do not con
sttute ca danger TO this country. The
possible wars which confront us are naval
wars. and In order to wage them sue
cessfuuy we need more ships. ] believe
we should have at least twice as many
ships az our own navy at present CON
tains. whether or not we desire to have
il so. the war has made n great change
In our position among the nations. II has
gained q new estimate of us and has put
trs in the front rank of the powers whose
voices decide questions OF the worlds
policies. At the same time We have great
lv extended our coast line and have un-
dcrtaken the government Of large and
distant territories We have become an
Aslauc power and cannot evade the re
spons,binties OF such a position. We
have great interests in the Pacific ocean
and must be prepared to cope with any
who are disposed to deny our rights there.
To safeguard our interests. to maintain
our position, TO speak with the authority
that becomes u.s. We need ships, and stili
more ships If our easy victories over
the ships Of a weak naval power mn our
people with the belief that we have now
a navy that is large enough for all our
needs, then those victories Will have done
us harm instead OF good. l believe In har-
Dor defenses. which only determined at
tacks OF the enemy could overcome.
1--WE have stiu much 90 learn about
modern warshIps. They are as yet In the
experimental ,tage. My own idea Is that
the navs., increase should be made By She
. W u.. vt more vessels of the New York
i.,., aud THAT greater speed and coal cas
pact. uusc Doe secured. even though 1t be
necessary 10 sacrifice some armor thick
r,ss in ,rder TO secure them. our need Of
swift armored cruisers tran 'cende othor
naval needs.
"The present Is n good time TO press
the needs OF the navy upon the country.
which viii soon he Qulyerng from end 90
END with emotions produced by the re-
option of tho hero of Manila, The eX-
traordinary and widespread disposition to
do him honor can scarcely be otherwise
than pleasing 20 an officers Of the navy
No man could have possibly done more
thoroughly than Dewey what he set out
TO do. and that Is the test His fame is
eaecure for the future"