The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1906-12-07
A STRONG NAVY
IS THE NATIONS
BEST SAFEGUARD

Washington. Dec. 7.--charles J. Bona
parte. secretary OF the navy concludes
his annual report, submitted yesterday,
with this summary OF our naval position:
Although a continental power. for
practical purposes we share with Great
Britain the immense advantages OF an
insular position Provided our naval
strength be sufficient to retain command
OF the sea we are absolutely safe from IN.
vasion, and consequently escape the bur-
oens OF vast military establishment
which bear upon all the great powers OF
the European continent; but II we have
not sufficient navy, the oceans 20 the
cast and west or us, instead of serving
az buiwarks for defence, become high
ways for invasion.
''The extensive steam merchant marines
which serve the commerce OF the weird
are no less available TO transpor. men
AMI munitions OF war and they place Our
shores within weeks. or at least a fort
nights, march OF powerful army from
any one or the great military countries
OF the world a danger rendered far more
serious by the fact that an enemy coming
by water Is restricted TO no line OF ad-
vance ascertainable beforehand and may
choose for aggression any point OF our
coast line which seems the most ulner-
able.
Under these circumstances, unless we
are wiliirg To maintain strong standing
ormy. the maintenance OF our naval
strength is a matter of supreme moment
"a the national safety. and i am convinc-
Ell that an enlightened and patriotic opin-
ION Will assent gladly TO any reasonable
sacrttC es necessary to assure such safety.
Tie Tecuniary burden imposed on each in
hahitant Of the United States for tho
maintenance OF the navy may be estimat-
ed roughly, but with fair approximation
to &c tcuracy, at one-third OF that bcrle
by each inhs bitant OF Great Britain and
Ireland, and the burden OF personal SER
vice Ia he like end at about one-seventh.
Expressed in figures we may say that
the cost OF the navy amounts 10 about 81 S3
per annum for each inhabitant OF the
United States and that about six men
out OF every 10000 inhabitants are at pres
ent bound by law to naval service. Surely
such burdens as these, or even some very
slight increase OF these burdens, will be
accepted without reluctance or murmur
by the patriotism and good sense OF the
American people"
rhe secretary submits the views of the
general board and board or construction
in regard 10 new ships, Views which are
ia substantial harmony, the former In
volving a total cost of S33, 0S0,0Oo and the
after $31. COO. 600. Both recommend two
new battleships, four destroyers. two shall
low draft river g,Inboats and other minor
vessels.
There will be much popular interest In
the secretary's views I'm regard TO the
frigate Constitution. He repeats his ear
lIer recommendations. about which he
says there has been "much outcry." He
saws
ITO DR.. Holmes proposal, that she be
gwen 30 the God OF storms the lightning
and the gale there was the rather seri-
Gus practical objection that this would
convert her into a derelict and "a source
OF danger on the high seas. l therefore
suggested that she be given what scented
70 me an appropriate and honorable mill
tary death and burial, leaving to a mod
ern vessel or a type analogous to her own
the task OF rivaling her exploits and per
/ petuating her name. / deem the forcgO-
ing explanation proper because ot the cla-
NOR aroused by the aforementioned sug-
gestion, a clamor which, although unrea-
sonable and largely fcticifls, neverthe-
less indicated on the part OF many worthy
r'iplc either ignorance OF the facts or
else complete misunderstanding OF the
! departments meaning.
The work authorized by the congress
at its last session for the preservation
! Of the old ship is in progress. Much OF
/ tho PIPER woodwork, which proved TO be
very badly decayed. has been removed
ard suitable supports inserted. so that
( the vessel may be docked without danger
| to her integrity. Inasmuch as IL has been
determined to spend the considerable sum
, already appropriated for her preservs tion,
! | recommend that she be 80 Tar further
| reconstructed as to be made sedworthy.
"Ir my last report I stated that II so
| rebuilt, she would be absolutely useless !;
! experience has led me 20 modify this op.r-
/ ion The department is frequently re-
/ ouested 10 send ships OF war TO take mart
/ and especially TO fire salutes in patriotic
! celebrations at seaport towns. I. the
4. a
/ from port to port. she would be very SER
4 viceahle for this purpose; and would GER
\ tainly serve much better TO awaken in
! trrest in the navy and remind the public
/ OF It's honorable traditions than If kept as
/ a mere object OF curiosity at a single ma.