Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1905-02-16
AGAINST THE NAVY.

AOAlN94 2n NAV IL
Representative Bourke Cochran, Of
New York, opposed Imperialism and the
further increase OF the navy in a parti-
cularly notable and vigorous speech in
the House of Representatives yesterday
afternoon while general debate was in
progress on the naval appropriations
bill. His time WAS repeatedly extended,
and during the hour he consumed mem
bsrs of both sides sat as if spellbound
under the influence of his Oratory.
When he ended be was vigorously APP
plauded by republicans as we'll as demo-
Gratis.
Mr.. Cochran reviewed historic at.
tempts at world mastery and drew a
vivid picture of the conquests OF the
Romans and the imperialism of Bona
parte. Az between the record Of Napo-
Icons imperialism, with its dire eouse-
auences, he said, and the record of
American coRstitutionalism, he pre-
ferred the latter. Ii was argued by
friends of imperialism and a big navy
that these were instruments in favor of
world peace. The same argument had
been put forth during the days of the
French Empire, when the motto was,
''The Empire is peace" while armies
we're being raised which, when sufficiently
strong, swept over Europe.
The United States had withouts large
navy risen to smineuce among the ma
tons of the world, Mr.. Cochran declar-
ed. Some thought it time for the
United States to enter the family OF
nations. He thought it preferable for
the country to maintain its position Of
isolation--the isolation efeminence. The
true strength of the nation was not to be
found in its fortresses of ships, but in
the strength and manhood OF its
men. No nation could make as much
out of conquest of other lands as it could
out of the development of its own land.
The old doctrine, now exploded, was that
the true way to prosperity was through
the conquest Of other lands. This coun-
try should stand fast to its traditions,
he asserted, and not go ahead in the d.
rection of world conquest, even though
il had crossed the threshold in that d.
rection.
Referring to the Venezuelan dispute
with England, Mr.. Cochran declared
that the greatest triumph ever won in
the history of the United States was
"when Secretary Olney wrote dispatch
affecting the greatest power in the
world" when the navy was about one
fifth its present size. Mr.. Cochran dis
counted the efficiency Of battleships
around Port Arthur, and asserted that it
was the mines placed in position by row.
boats that laid low vessels Of that kind.
Mr.. Besl CTexas), in opposing large
appropriations for the army and navy.
declared that the United States had gone
mad over militarism, which was sapping
the substance Of the people. The gov
eminent was paying as much attention
to Ceremonies, pomP and power" as
any government on earth, and he said 1t
was the most sxtravsgant government in
the world. There was never a nation
that played the bully among other nations
of the world, Mr.. Beal remarked in that
connection, that there was not some
other nation ready to engage in death
with it, and he predicted CHS
tory will repeat itself With VS."
Mr.. Perkins IN. " ventured the as
sertion that no gun or any ship now ia
or on the two battleships
by the bill, if they were au-
would ever Ere hostile shot
He provoked sharp discussion by
declaring that warships disintegrsted in
side Of twenty years.
Mr.. Rixey maintained the correctness
Of Mr.. Perkins position by stating that
high naval officers had declared most of
the ships now in service to be obsolete
and OF no account.
The principle of upholding the Mon
roe doctrine through battleships was de-
,lared by Mr.. Thayer Mass to be un-
necessary, "since," be said, 1--WE are
protecting it by the dictum of the gen.
leman at the other end of tie avenue,
Who don't require any battlesbips or law
whatever to back him up"
The House voted down an amend
nent offered by Mr.. Rixey (Va) striking
nut the proposed increase of 5000 men
or the navy; also on point of order by
lin the provision permitting their i'm
Mediate enlistment was stricken out