The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1907-07-03
NEW NAVY BILL MUST
PROVIDE MANY MILLIONS
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ern times only for unimportant auxili-
airy service. Yet after seventy-nine
years service, the ancient schooner
brought surprising price. and her new
owners expect her 10 do more service
for them
Against this record OF endurance of
the 'Old-time wooden vessels, the short
expectation OF life OF a modern naval
monster is illustrated by the fact that
the old Texas has been retired, and the
Indiana and Iowa. which were the pride
Of the new navy in 1888, have been
placed in reserve. while the beloved
Oregon Is out Of commission, and de-
ponds largely on sentiment TO keep her
from being retired; These are among
the things that will ne urged by OPP
ponents of a policy Of naval expansion
based on the new theory that we must
be a first-class power in both the At
lantic and the Pacific.
Pacific Important Now.
Against this, the naval authorities
present their analysis OF our relations
to world politics; they urge that the
Pacific is the new seat Of critical con-
ditiOns, and is certain to be for many
years. The situation In our relations
with Europe is at present such that II
IS possible to consider removing the
battleshtp fleet, with an armored cruiser
squadron. 10 the Pacific. But il IS ap-
parent that this. likewise. is dangerous.
The European situation within recent
years has two or three times developed
situations In which II would have been
impossible 10 keep the navy in the
danger point: Cuba did cause a war.
South American relations with Europe
are comfortable today, but whether
they will always be Is a question whose
uncertainty might easily be increased II
there were no effective American naval
force in the Atlantic, and II tension
should continue in the Pacific.
Must Protect Canal.
The Panama canal must be protected,
and so must the Philippines. Each Is a
means to an end; and that end Is com
mercial development with the Orient
II this nation has a destiny as Pacific
power fl must be worked out with the
canal and the archipelago as important
factors And unless America is to be a
real power in the Pacific, il viii have
small chance 10 compete with the ag-
gression Of Japan in the huge Oriental
trade which. though only in infancy,
already assures immense volume
There is no doubt Of Japan's policy.
She Is sTraining every nerve and taking
every chance 10 make herself the dOml-
AdlN COiAiueEGldl factor IN the East.
Her army, her navy, her absorption OF
Korea, her aggressive policy IN Man
churia, her constantly increasing infu-
ence IN China, her wonderful expansion
ward South America-all these things
indicate that Japan is going 20 provide
real competition in the Pacific.
Japan Must Expand.
Japan must expand. She must have
more land. more range OF opportunity
for her teeming population. She wants
the Pacific and China II the United
States leaves them to her. no other
power has the concern 10 oppose her
designs. The United States would
presently find herself confined 70 the
Atlantic. dividing It's opportunities with
the nations Of Europe, developing the
continent in a lop-sided fashion, and
leaving the Pacific littoral in constant
danger.
This is the picture which advocates
OF the twO-ocean standard Of naval
strength present They are prepared 10
make appeal TO national commercia1ism
as strongly as TO national patriotism
They propose 10 defend our position in
the Philippines with the argument that
10 abandon the island would now be
q confession OF both weakness and lack
or interest In Oriental development. II
would not only be the REIMBURSEMENT
Of commercial and naval base. but
more important yet. would be accepted
by the world as notice that the United
states did not propose TO make a stand
for rank In the dominating group of
Pacific powers. It's sentimental effect
on our commercial relations 10 the East
would be very great
Open Door to the East.
Such is in meager outline the argu-
ment for and against the new naval
policy. Imperialism in all ats aspects
Will be tried out in the discussions in
Congress. The open door to the East.
the integrity Of China the position OF
this country as the sponsor for the
autonomy Of the celestial empire. the
necessity of maintaining a balance Of
strength IN the western ocean. VIII all
be brought into the debate. There will
be determined opposition 10 the new
naval program and to the increased ap-
preparations. but in the opinion OF
friends Of the new policy. It will win
They believe national opinion will back
the program with great prepOnderance
OF sentiment.