New-York tribune., 1909-05-28
LETTERSTOTHEE EDITOR
DEFENCE OF TWO POWER STANDARD.
Englands Monroe Doctrine, Correspondent
Says-Germany Naval Aspirations

To the Editor of The Tribune.
Sir: The leading article naval rivalry in your
issue of yesterdays date should appeal strongly to
every one who wishes to make a dispassonate
study Of this phase foreign politics: a study that
demands a clearness of view. depth of percep-
ton and breadth of judgment that is not given
to all. Even those to whom we are accustomed to
look for light and leading on matters of interna-
tonal importance too often betray a warped and
narrow opinion.
Your resume is carefully considered apprecia-
ton OF parlous condition existing between
two mighty empires that gives cause for grave dis
quietude You justly recognize that Englands s
perturbation at the sudden expansion Of the Ger
man navy is not founded on jealousy unreason-
ing fear, but her ancient determination that the
safety of her island realm and her worldwide pos
| sessions, embracing a quarter of the lands and a
fifth of the population of the globe, rests on the
fxity of two-power standard for her navy, coute
que conte
The same sense Of self-protection dictated TINS
resolution that caused this country to proclaim
the Monroe Doctrine. Each is the keystone or the
policies and guards the destnies Of its respective
parent, and has been forciDly declared urpi ct
Orbi. They were not formed to meet a temporary
condition but to stand for all time, the expressed
will and determination of these two nations, as
therein lie their peace and safety. England ;
whoIe-hearte recognition of the Monroe Doctrine
merits the outspoken appreciation of her tWo-po"eF
! naval standard by this country
Time writes with hurrying pen. so that we must
that when the present Liberal government first
came into power England, as a proof or her
strenuous desire for the discontinuance OF naNal
rivalry for year, almost ceased TO construct add-
tional ships so that she might offer the ohve
branch Of arrested to her sister nations
and especially to Germany The intention was eX-
cerent the action misguided and the result disas-
| trous. Germany seized this hoped-for oppor-
tunity to diminish her naval inferiority by eXpe-
diting the building of her ships. England is now
deeply regrettng this epitome OF sentimental un-
wisdom.
The history of Germany from the reign Of Fred
eriCk the Great TO the present era has shown her
Willingness to take instant advantage of any weak
ness the part of her neighbors. The present
Emperor lay firm a grasp on Morocco
his INSCRIPTIONS forebear did on Silesia; but
whereas the latter aided by the good WILL the
money and the of England the hand OF the
forrper stayed at her warning.
If Germany seeks peace. let her insure II by a
right moderation in her naval construction. She
already possesses the finest army in the world but
it fails satisfy her pride and ambition Now. for
the time in her history she IS daring the great
Anglo-Saxon race.
Each warship that sails under the White Ensign
is herald of peace and good will to all. II has
Vet to he proved what may be the message borne
by the fleets that fy the Double Eagle. TIL that
message is declared in no uncertain terms and IS
confirmed by commensurate action England is am
ply justified in taking every due precauon for safe
guarding her coasts. her liberties and her immense
trade without being accused OF 'hystera.' emo
| tional insanity and other ladylke ailments
Since the time Of the Saxon Ethelred England
has always been the unready." Let hope that
now. forewarned. she IS preparing be forearrned
and that her mighty bulwarks of steel viii prove
as in the old DAYS Of her wooden walls the pala-
dium Of universal peace V DE G.
Htghwood N J.. MAY p.