The Topeka state journal., 1908-04-10
FR0k OTHER PENS
OUR NEGLECTED KEY TO THE
PACIETCo

Ten years ago the United States an
nexed Hawaii as measure OF national
defense. The islands, we were told,
constituted a key to the Pacific" AS
q naval base they were considered of
the highest strategic advantage. Cap
tain Mahan and other naval tacticians
regarded their acquisition as of the
highest Importance to our command OF
the Pacific. But once having taken
over the islands we forgot all about
their strategic value. Possessing a
'key to the Pacific" we hung 1t up on
the wall, as it were, until our further
convenience. During the last 10 years
not single gun has been mounted In
Hawaii, nor has a single step been
taken toward the construction OF q
naval base at Pearl Harbor. Land has
been acquired for both the naval sta
ton and the Qualifications, but prac-
tically all the defensive work remains
to be provided for.
Now, after all these years of neglect,
Hawaii is about to come into her own
because of an assumption that war
with Japan is possible. Our relations
with other nations are such today"
said the delegate from Hawaii to the
house committee on naval affairs, that
it would be inexcusable neglect to
postpone the beginning of this work
another year." President Roosevelt.
we are informed, wants to be ready for
a fight If it must come, or to prevent
one by the possession of a greatly SUI
perior naval equipment. Thus the war
scare operates to jog the memory of
congress as to that key to the Pa
cific," acquired by US as naval base
10 years ago. It is about time to take
it down and furbish it up for use in
opening the door to Manchuria, which
is said to be closing on American trade.
washington Herald.
SOCIETY AND THE RAILROAD.
The man who owns a railroad In
these times does so in defiance, of his
family's social ambition and OF gen.
eral attitude of suspicion on the part
of the public. 1t has been known for
long time that j. Pierpont Morgan dis
liked to have his name used as q SUD-
stitute for the Southern railway. Mr..
F'lagler has not encouraged people to
speak of the new Florida East Coast
road as the Flagler line. The Wander
bilt roads retain the name, In spite OF
the fact that the Vanderbilt family no
longer holds control
A couple of years ago the young at
torney general of Missouri suggested
the social ostracism of those known to
be implicated in the high finance game.
He was laughed at. The idea appeared
ridiculous. What should anyone care.
It was argued, whether ostracised or
not, so long as there was money for ev-
cry desire and luxury? Besides, 1t was
hard to conceive of people in America
sending others. who had money, into
coventry. Yet Mr.. Hadley's suggestion
appears to have been taken up without
| any further pushing from him.
The country has been sitting In judg-
| ment upon the railroads and condemn
ed them, though often unfairly. To
climb to the presidency of q great
transportation company does not brins
the laurels 1t did a short time ago
The man who is able to do so has tc
show clean record. and even then the
muck-raker may take him to task be-
cause his line may have relations with
other roads not 90 fortunate in the
| matter Of morals.-Cleyeland Leader.