The San Juan islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1898-1914, 1911-07-28

time In the worlds history,
when civilization might be
supposed to have repressed
the primitive lust for blood and plum
der, the alarmist has only to lift his
voice in congress to Danish tranquility
from our bosoms.
Millions are given to promote the
cause of universal peace. Yet the ma
lions of Europe compete with each
other for the privilege of bearing the
heaviest burden in the way Of modern
ornaments. England trembles at the
thought Of Germany; Germany. with
her rapidly expanding commerce.
leaps to the Dreadnought type Of
naval construction and increases her
expenditures to overcome England's
"two-power lead. Austria lays down
four f1rst-class battle ships. Russia is
said to be contemplating the expendi-
>ture Of $500, 1000, 900 on her navy. The
United States Is warned that in no
long time Germany will GUST her from
the second place upon the seas. Not
the least important business of peace
would seem to be the preparation for
war.
One Is reminded of the ancient Chi
nese sage who was sent to Europe by
his emperor to investigate the merits
OF the Christian religion. 1t was a
troublous time. The great nations
were locked in death struggle; bat
tie fields ran with blood; violent
schisms sprang up and were sup
pressed with slaughter; the continent
was no better than a huge shambles.
After the sage had looked his fill he
returned to his emperor
China is too peaceful a nation" he
said, Ito be adapted to the Christian
faith"
Peace Dove 10 Elusive.
1t is possible to believe that this
shrewd Oriental had not made a pro-
found study of Christian ethics; but
at least he had seen that during some
centuries of acceptance it had not
availed to put an end to the horrors of
war. Perhaps the essence of the thing
Is better understood today. and yet
he would be an optimistic prophet
who should declare that the era of
unbroken peace had dawned.
The country was recently warned
chat its standing army is Inadequate
TO repel foreign invasion. This was
met by the declaration that the sea is
still the nations impregnable bulwark.
and that while the navy floats no hos
tile nation could land force. What.
then, is the condition of the Ameri-
can navy and what are It's facilities in
the way OF naval base and coal sun
ply in the event of war?
Notwithstanding the greatly increas-
ed cost of naval construction. which
was introduced with the Dreadnoueht
type. the government has during some
years followed the practice of LAYING
'oown two battle ships annually. The
appropriations for the five years end.
ing June 80. 1911. reach $3.50, 727. 1851
as against $131 ,971,8 for the proceed.
ing nve-year period. This program
mas placed the American navy in the
second place with total of 1852 ships
carrying 1856 guns and having a dis.
placement of 717.702 tons. Germany
comes next. with 209 vessels, carryine
lOO guns and having tonnage of 666..
OBS. = WV
Many Fighting Monsters.
AT the present time England and
America have four Dreadnoughts each
OF about equal tonnage. Germany has
three and Japan one. But Germany
which formerly built small battle
ships. has turned to Dreadnoughts n
an attempt to overcome England'e
great lead. and when the present pro
gram OF the nations has been carried
out she will stand second. Britain vii
.fhsn have seventeen Of these monsta,