The Washington herald., 1907-12-17
THE SAILING OF THE FLEET.
Newspaper Comment on the Voyage
to the PaeIdc.


to the PaeIhe.
From the Norfolk Landmark.
President Roosevelt deserves the highes;
credit for letting it appear that the trans
fer Of the battle ships to the Pacific Coast
was just a personal whim Of his own. We
are convinced that there were very grave
reasons of state. which were wisely with
held from publication.
From the Pittsburg Dispatch
Admiral COghlan, in post-prandlal con-
hdenee, ayers that the feet Is sent to the
Pacific in order 20 obtain the building OF
new Atlantic feet Then viii that fleet
be sent somewhere else to facilitate the
/ construction of a third? After which
viii the line stretch ad infnitum?
From the New York American.
It goes TO teach the people everywhere
that the republic in its magnificent coast
line. in its developing commercial rival
ries. and in its splendid isolation needs
more ships to hold our Western seas. And
II goes calmly and with friendly front to
say % the people Of the world that
America knows how 70 build and man a
navy. and that she intends heneeforth to
/ keep the peace Of nations by being
magnidcently prepared for defensive war
From the Philadelphia Pres.
On the United States the step has not
less momentous effects. II has awakened
a deep public interest in our fleet nothing
else could achieve. Both national conven-
tons VIII approve the cruise. Il commits
our naval policy 70 an equal feet on each
ocean Where sixteen 20 twenty battle
ships have been our limit this cruise and
battle ship feet for each ocean makes
thirty-five 20 forty battle ships our future
need. Without this cruise We might have
| ceased to hold our present place as the
second naval power in the world.
Prom the Philadelphia Public Ledger.
That the men Of the navy win acquit
| themselves well is the expectation and
the confident hope Of the nation. Ameri-
cans realize that the movement OF the
fleet viii be watched with jealous eyes
by the entire world. not because OF any
misgivings on the part Of the powers as
( TO the peaceful intentions Of the United
States. but because II VIII be a supreme
I and spectacular test OF national ability
and efficiency, a test the outcome OF
which will affect the national position IN
ways not now dreamed Of II there be
ground for anxiety at all, It IS in this
| aspect OF the voyage
From the New York Tribune.
Nor is the circumstance devoid OF
unique significance that in conception. in
purpose, and in expected execution. this
is a purely peaceful voyage. The other
famous sailings which we have recalled.
and the others still which might be re
called, were distinctly beIligerent The
great voyage Of our own Oregon. over
substantially the same course that this
feet is 10 pursue. but in reverse direction.
was undertaken TO meet a fierce emer-
gency Of impending conflict But here IS
the most powerful military movement Of
its kind In human history undertaken in a
time OF profound peace. with no thought
Of any breaking Of thar pv-ce Indeed,
II the words Of Washington be true. that
10 be prepared for war is one OF the
most effectual means OF preserving peace.
this manifestation Of militant preparation
should fix an iTnpregnable seal upon this
nations peace for years 70 come.