Daily press. [volume] (Newport News, Va.) 1896-current, 1908-10-16
TWO OPINIONS OF NAVY


therefore is in duty bound to MAN.
tain such an armed force as Will Sc
cure to each state the proper pro-
lection and an armed force equal TO
the duty imposed must be unquestion-
ably superior when engaged in our
possessions, or in the waters ad1a-
cent thereto.
This means supremacy for defence.
not for aggression. It does not ne.
cessitate having more ships or armed
men than a nation or nations that are
possible antagonists. 1t means having
more power than such nations have.
capable Of being applied against them,
when invading or approaching our ter
ritory or possessions.
The situation Of some nations IS
such that they cannot use against us
their entire armed force, owing TO
other dangers this would expose them
to. Due allowance being made for TINS
and other elements affecting the
question OF superior power in our pos
sessions and in the waters adjacent
thereto, the United States Govern
ment Is under a clear duty to each
State of the Union 20 make such pro-
vision without any further delay. l..
e.. to have power in the Pacific super
ior to the power Of any Asiatic Ma
ton and in the Atlantic superior TO
the power OF any European Nation y
Captain Hobson went on to say:
Until Nations are ready to instr
tute a system where ideas can be
made to triumph by reason OF the
truth that is in them this nation is
in duty bound to place behind the
Just proposals 1t has made and Will
continue to make the force OF an
armament proportionate to the justice
Of our intention and the interest OF
our citizens in the ever increasing
complexity OF foreign affairs. Thus
We can and will efectuate our just
wishes. even as Washington backed
I'D the Declaration Of Independence
with force sufficient to make 1t COON
in opposition to the force marshalled
against II.
This general duty h made doubly
imperative as respects affairs In
Asia and the Pacific, By our posses
sion Of the Philippines and the Ha-
vaiian Islands. These are the keys Of
peace and justice in Asiatic affairs
during the coming half century. These
keys are in our hands. and the people
Of America and Of all countries should
and viii hold this generation Of Ameri,
cans responsible for the proper use
o! the immense Advantage their pos
session gies the United States in max.
, ing an effective stand, through proper
policies In the International Councils
supported by adequate armament on
land and sea. for the things that per
tain TO the peace and welfare Of the
| people Of all Nations. so far as events
In Asia and in the Pacific Ocean arc
] concerned.
Concluding. Captain Hobson said:
The United States q the union
owes . solemn duty imposed by the
Constitution. and made imperative BY
the conditions Of this hour TO main
tain in our possessions. and In the
waters adjacent thereto in both
oceans. . power that Is beyond qucs
ton superior to any power that car
be sent against us. This duty n plain
on general Considerations. without re.
ference to aay particular nation OF
nations. 7; becomes palmer stilI from
due consideration OF European and
Asiassc conditions. and the attitude Of
certain nations to matters which vital.
" concern us.