The Mitchell capital. (Mitchell, Dakota [S.D.]) 1879-1918, 1908-04-10
H0BS0N SEES WAR
CLOUDS IN SKY

Washington, April s. - Pointing out
what he declared to be the precarious
condition of the national defense of the
united States both in the Atlantic and
the Pacific oceans. Mr.. Hobson, of Ala
oama, IN the House of Representatives
today made an earnest plea for two
battleships of $4,000 IONS displacement
IN addition to the two authorized by
the naval appropriation bill. He said
tnat a conservative estimate ould in
dictate that for the minimum basis OF
security and safety in the Pacific ocean
the United States should lay down at
least four big shops a year for many
years to come. unit Japan comedies to
us what is inevitable--the American
control of the sea around which our
possessions are scattered"
After calling attention to Americas
lack of a merchant marine. which
could be used as auxiliaries in time of
war. ana OF transports necessary for
properly conducting war operations,
Mr.. Hobson said:
have almost no standing army
and could not prevent the seizure by a
foreign power of a harbor ON our shores
or near our shores. to be used as a
naval base: whereas 1t would be prac-
tically impossible for America to secure
a naval base for operations in Euro
pean waters. Forts, mines. torpedoes.
torpedo boats and submarines are val
liable accessories, but such defenses
nave never stopped a determined COM
mander of a great fleet. They did not
stop Nelson at Copenhagen, nor Farra-
gut at Mobile bay. nor Dewey at
Manila. Such defenses never determine
the issues of a war. and ave no weight
In deterring an enemy from seeking
war. The forts that we have are Woe
1ully unnamed. whereas the troops
needed for other landward defense
could not be modified within the time
necessary"
Conflict With Japan.
The possibility of a conflict With ia
pan was discussed at length by Mr.
Hobson. He aid it was but perfectly
natural for Japan to aspire to dominate
the of China, the
OF Asia and of the Pacific ocean. And
he added 1T was perfectly natural for
Japan to seek to control the policies
OF China and to attain supremacy in
the Pacific ocean, n to lead the yell
low race toward a recognized Suprem-
acy in the world.
Mr.. Hobson charged that Japanese
spies have been diligent and active
possessions. throughout all parts of
America, In our forts, a%rsenals, ship
yards and particularly up and down
the coast along the Pacific. in noting
the elements Of Americas defence and
and charting %harbors.
Drifting Toward War.
IN conclusion Mr.. Hobson said:
1T may be remarked that at this
critical %juncture, when the world is
drifting towards wars, that the failure
on he part of America to build up the
naval power adequate to keep peace in
the Pacific ocean will be liable to en-
tail not only a war between America
ana Japan, but ultimately a war be-
tween the White race and the yellow
race. and engender a hatred and anger
the races that would prevent
the carrying of the gospel of peace
Asia. The true policy for
a Christian to advocate is TO have his
countrY the greatest peace ountr
keep the peace, secure and create the
opportunity for the church to reach the
mNriads of Asia and carry the gospel
until every knee shall bow"