The Black Hills union and western stock review. [volume] (Rapid City, S.D.) 1904-19??, 1908-12-25
In the Path of Naval Glory.

ly, of course, by the voyage of the
great battleship fleet It's prestige
abroad is higher than before. It's
naval efficiency is greater. It's pride
and confidence in the national de-
Tense are much increased.
But the nation can gain even
more. Not long since our ships were
at Manila and off Japan. They are
now at Ceylon, the little isle at In
dia's foot.
Soon they will go up through SUI
ez and have upon their right the
scene Of the Battle Of the Nile. Soon
they will pass through Gihralter,
no great distance from the wind
swept heights of Trafalgar
Let the nation think on thes
names that the voyage brings to no.
tice. 1t will recall better what ma
vies do. 1t will truly understand
the momentous issues that may hang
on naval excellence. 1t will under
stand more than ever the necessity
of supporting as we'll as applauding
the navy. And that will be a bene-
fit second to no other.
Japan-the latest and best exam
pie of what navy means! 1.-The
fate OF our empire depends upon
this days fight" The japanese ad-
miral signaled truly. The campaign
in Manchooria, the national pres
tige, the empires future, all hung
on the broadsides of Togos ships.
The fleet repaid the sacrifices it had
cost
Manila-what need to dwell on
it's significance? 1t was one of the
two blows that broke the back of
Spain; Santiago was the other. At
ter these American land operations
were sure Of success. No possible
succor could come to the Spanish
troops. But had both fights gone
otherwise, how long it would have
taken to do what was done so easily
and quickly!
Ceylon-and India. Near where
the fleet is stopping lies the great
empire from which England exclud-
ed France through superior and
continuous naval policy. Command
Of the sea controls the issues Of the
land. That has been the keynote
of English action. The wisdom of
her course is shown by the results.
France was once strong in India.
Now her rule is but a native mem
DRY.
The battle of the Nile pales at the
brilliancy of Trafalgar. But there
the fleet under Nelson sealed the
fate of Napoleon's Egyptian expe-
dition. 1t cut the communications
between France and Napoleon's
army in Egypt. 1t caused the great
General to leave his army and to
flee to France in most inglorious
style.
But Trafalgar did more.1t was the
final act Of great stategic drama
In which Napoleon and Nelson were
pitted against each other. Napol-
cons aim was to unite three French
fleets and cover the crossing Of his
W CA6AoAu. 1NSlSOu s course
prevented it and no doubt, saved
England.
At Trafalgar 1t was not villen-
euve that failed, but Napoleon that
was vanquished; not Nelson that
won, but England that was saved"
This is the comment of a most
distinguished naval critic, Captain
A. T. Mahan. 1t states the plain
historic truth. In the light of what
a fleet then meant to England we
may judge what 1t may some day
mean to us; and decide how wise
1t is to foster it against the time
Of need.
Great Is the feet and magnificent
the record 1t has made upon the
cruise. But greater responsible
ity. more magnificent opportunity.
may some day fall to it. It is the
peoples duty to see that It is fitted
for the task Inter Ocean. IS
uaioa ONES ~ - ps.Asine