, 1907-08-29
GRAND NAVAL DEMONSTRATION

Uncle Sam is about to show the peo-
pie of the earth the greatest naval
demonstration that has ever beer at.
tempted. IL is nothing more nor less
han a cruise OF our battleship fleet
around the world. starting from New
York. 1t will take approximately n
year to make the voyage and the ma
tons of the far east and of Europe
will be given to understand what the
possibilities of the western hemis-
phere are; at least, the northern por-
ton of 1t.
The officers of the navy have enter.
ed into the spirit of the cruise with a
commendable zest. They understand
the value of maneuvers n what it
ing in the matter Of feet movements
in all the waters where 1t is possible
that they may ut some time be en-
gagged. 1t is understood, too. by those
near to the administration that he
demonstration Is largely for the purpose
OF giving the little bulldog Of the ORR
emit an object lesson. Japan has an
exalted idea of its prowess and seeks
TO be the ruler of the Pacific. While
the United States does not care par
ticularly to pose as a bully of the high
sea- or the land, for that matter, 1t is
important that there shall be a full
understanding of the power that lies
in the military arm of this peaceful
people. The Philippines are vulner,
able to attack from battleships, and
so are our Other islands of he Pa
cifc. Japan has recently met the or
der for n Pacific cruise with a counte
order for another great ship. There is
a strong probability that we may have
there is every reason for being thor
oughly prepared for the conflict, for
it will not be boys play. 1t will not re-
semble in any particular the wal with
old Spain. Japan has the ships and
the, men for tremendous battles both
on land and sea. If the time comes,
lie necessary to defend ourselves from
the aggressions of Japan, the war will
be a terrific and s~anguinary trial Of
modern times. Both nations would be
thoroughly prepared for exerting their
greatest strength. Each would engage
in conflict with a full understanding
rily such a conflict would be confined
very largely to the high seas. Neither
nation is in a position TO land large
forces upon the shores of the other.
The men of America believe they have
superior ships, superior officers and SD
perior gunners to any nation on the
such a disaster as that which overlook
the Russian fleet off the coast of Asia
could not happen to Uncle Sam.
The %audacity of the cruise of the
American fleet around the earth is as
tonishing to the nations of Europe.
They never permit their great engines
of wal to leave easy sailing distance
from their own shores. Russia's great
fleet unwisely took this course during
its war with Japan and the fleet never
returned. England keeps constant
watch of the other fleets of Europe n
the emperor of Germany is vigilant at
all times lest some movement of an
other nation may mean danger to his
empire. Americas isolation makes it
possible for our feet to move into any
waters without fear of danger to this
nation. In the trip about to be taken
the fleet will sail $4,000 knots. In all
probability it will not be able To pass
through the Suez canal. In this event,
it will be compelled to so around the
cape of Good Hope, increasing the dis
lance of the cruise fully 5000 knots.
At all times it will be prepared to sal!
to any quarter of the globe, in case
an emergency might arise.
When the fall of 1908 shall have ar
rived and our hattleship feet has re-
turned and anchored in New York har.
Dor, it is believed that the nations
big stick will have been displayed to
the people of all nations in such a man,
ner as to arouse a wholesome respect
nk1~u~<T~ AfI~nIrINTr, nNWr-n W No