The Bon Homme County independent. [volume] (Tabor, S.D.) 1904-1913, 1908-04-09
HOBS0N 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
ne acific oceans, Mr.. Hobson, of Ala
bama, In the House OF Representatives
today made an earnest plea for two
battleships OF 5000 tons displacement
in addition to the two authorized by
the naval appropriation bill. He said
that a conservative estimate would 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 mani
years to come, until 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, and Of transports necessary for
properly conducting war operations,
Mr.. Hobson said:
I'VE 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 IT would be praC-
tically impossible for America to secure
a naval base for operations In Euro
pean waters. Forts, mines, torpedoes.
~ RSNN c"N oALd ~ AAACS "a f~A
liable accessories, but such defenses
nave lever stopped a determined COM
n of a great feet. They did not
stop Nelson at Copenhagen, nor Farra-
gut at Mobile bay, nor Dewey at
Manila. Such defcnses never determine
the issues of a war, and nave no weight
In deterring IN enemy from seeking
war. The forts that we have are Woe
fully 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 said 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, and to lead he yell
low race toward a recognized suprem-
acy In the world.
Mr.. Hobson charged that japanese
spies have been diligent and active
throughout the Philippines, in outlying
possessions, throughout all parts OF
America, in our forts, arsenais. ship
yards and particularly up n down
he a along the Pacific, in noting
ne elements OF Americas defence and
mapping 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 h 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
and Japan, but ultimately O. war be-
tween the white race and the yellow
race, and engender u hatred and anger
between the races hat would prevent
the carrying OF the gospel OF peace
throughout Asia. The true policy for
a Christian to advocate is to have his
country, the greatest peace country,
keep the peace, secure and create the
opportunity for the church to reach the
myriads Of Asia and carry the gospel
until every knee shall bow"