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


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
tons 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 first-class battle ships Russia is
said to be contemplating the expendi-
~ture of 5000. 100000 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
2 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
stroublous time. The great nations
were locked in death struggle; bat
tie fields ran with blood; violent
schisms sprang up and we're 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 nation" he
said. Ito be adapted to the Christian
faith"
Peace Dove Is Elusive.
1t is possible to believe that this
shrewd Oriental had not made 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
lis better understood today. and yet
ne would be an optimistic prophet
who should declare that the era of
unbroken peace had dawned.
The country was recently warned
that 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 SUM-
ply In the event of war?
Notwithstanding the greatly increas-
ed cost OF naval construction, which
was introduced with the Dreadnought
type. the government has during some
years followed the practice of lavinp
down two battle ships annually. The
appropriations for the five years end.
ing June 80. 1911, reach $593. 727 1861.
as against $131. 971 .S77 for the preced.
ing nve-year period. This program
mas placed the American navy in the
second place with total of 1872 shins
carrying l36 guns and having a dis.
placement Of 717.702 tons. GERMANY
comes next. with 209 vessels. carrvino
loO guns and having a tonnage of 666..
OBS. - wv
Many Fighting Monsters.
AL 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 battie
SHIPS. has turned to Dreadnoughts in
an attempt to overcome England's
Great lead. and when the present pro.
8fam OF the nations has been carried
ont sne Will stand second. Britain viii
&hsn have seventeen Of these monster