Semi-weekly herald., 1909-03-01

ships the United States has taken IL
lead in size, though England keeps
ahead in number This country has
authorized the construction of four
battle ships that far exceed the Dread
nought In tonnage and armament. and
the present congress is likely TO pro-
vide for two more that will be still
larger by far. A few days ago the
Delaware was launched at Newport
News, the most formidable warship
| that has yet been started. Her dis
placement is $4,000 tons. The largest
battle ship now In commission is the
British Dreadnought, of 1890 tons.
GermANy's largest battle ship is 1920
tons. Frances heaviest ship is 1866
tons, with eight building. the largest
of 1890 tons. Japan's largest COM
pleted ship is 16,400 tons. with two
building OF 19.20O and 10000 tons.
The United States has in hand six
battle ships, four of which will be the
heaviest afloat. two. the Florida and
Utah, of 21 1926 tons each. Congress
is celebrating on two of 10000 tons
| each. the naval committee having re-
ported upon them favorably. The Del.
aware, just launched, is to be 2,lOO
tons larger than the Dreadnought, and
$50 tons greater than Great BrItain's g
latest vessel, the Vanguard.
Thus goes forward the most remark.
able of all forms of International rival.
ry and preparation. constituting a duel
in finance as well as constructive abii.
ity. Capt. Mahan. an American roc
oenized abroad as high naval authority
supports the leviathan idea. "The line
OF reasoning" he says, (which applies
10 the $4,000 or 10000 ton ship viii
hold good when you have reached 90.
600 and your neighbor goes one bet
ter by laying down one of $4,000. The
skill of the naval architect and eugi
neer is equal TO producing It, and the
open sea at least viii be able to float
it " In truth, the question is chiefly
one of money. Provide the millions
and the designers and shipyards will
do the rest. One of the largest ocean
liners has Just cut the Eastward run
across the Atlantic to little over
days, 90 hours. But two passenger
ships are going forward that are to be
200 feet longer, and can be made faster
IL the achievement is thought to be
worth the entra cost in machinery,
coal and working force The Della
wares broadside viii be the heaviest
on the seas, consisting of ten 12-noh
guns and fourteen 5-inch rapid-fire
guns. with the secondary battery in
addition. No such blow can be de. |
liyered by the Dreadnought or any
other existing ship.
Last year Mr.. Asquith, the British |
premier, announced that the policy |
would continue to be the maintenance
of the navy at the strength of any
other two nations combined, plus 10
per cent. That is certainly an impos-
ing proposition in view OF the naval |
activity and inventlveness of the Unit |
ed States and Germany. Six new ships |
of the Dreadnought pattern. but larger
will be proposed in parliament this
year They will swell the British |
budget, which now includes the pay
ment of old-age pensions. England |
must look about for more revenue. |
This year naval appropriation of
$136.000,000 Is asked in the United |
States. Our treasury calls for fresh |
taxation in some form. Skimping the |
navy would be doubtful economy. |
Our position on the two greatest
oceans forbids halt in building bat |
tie ships of the most modern type |
We have under way the largest ex
tant which is a gratifying fact.-Globe.
Democrat.