Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1912-12-06

danger of trusting to the good will
and fair dealing, and even to the most
solemnly binding treaties between ma
tions for the protection of a nations
sovereign rights and interesfs he
says, and without doubt the time is
remote when comparatively un
armed and helpless nation may be
reasonably free from attack by am
bilious, well-armed powers. especially
in commercial age, such as the pres
apt The economical system of q
great commercial nation is SO deli
cately balanced that even a threat of
war is very disturbing and harmful
while a war with any other great
power Woufd cause incaiculable dam
age.
ITO avoid war and insure peace the
country must be prepared for war.
No person of intelligence who has
studied international policies can be
blind 10 The fact that the possession of
great wealth, resources and popula-
ton, does not carry with it immunity
from attack should the nations in
forests. clash with those of another
better prepared"
The opening of the Panama canal
will in no sense double the American
.ncct. according TO Secretary Meyer
While it will increase its efficiency by
e.litating its passage from one
I, 10 tie other, this condition has
lea frly considered in calculating
H. e. ..ayaI program. Without the
eassal, says Secretary Meyer, experts
figure that the United States would
Of by
whose coast line is continuous.
The Secretary estimates that a total
of Il hattleships, with a proportional
number of ether lighting and auXil-
iarN vessels, is the least that would
place this country on a safe basis in
its relations with other world powers.
This Heat should be secured as soon
as practicable. he said, and its
strength should he maintained by re-
placing obsolete vessels with new ones
by a uniform annual program. While
The Navy Department would welcome
more torpedo boats and submarines,
the Secretary expresses the belief that
until more of the old battleships are
replaced it is wiser TO build battle
ships than smaller vessels.
As to the need OF battle cruisers,
the swiftel ships of the first line OF
defense. Secretary Meyer quotes the
Naval General Board:
"The United States has no vessels
OF this type They have a military
value not possible TO obtain from
other types or combinations of types
TO further neglect their necessity IS
to deliberately weaken our naval
strength The paramount need OF
the navy, is however for battleships'
and the Board does mot recommends
any modification of the building pro-
gram by which preference in building
is given to battle cruisers or other
fleet units, and auXiliarics, which viii
Interfere with the ultimate battleship
strength
Battle practice has brought the eX-
listing fleet to a state of complete
readiness for instant service says
Secretary Meyer in commenting on
| the navys condition. Reserve as
| wen as active vessels are Kept in
condition for any contingency and
| the navy's gunners have during the
year made records that more than
sustain the high standards of the
| service.
| Aeroplanc equipment is entirely in
| adequate at the present time accord
| ing to Secretary Meyer. He points
| out that While the United States
spent only $4,000 for this purpose
| last year. Japan spent $60o,000 and
| five European nations spent individual
sums ranging from s2,0oo,ooo To So
600, 600. the latter being the eSpendi-
| ture of France. Secretary Meyer
SAYS there should Abe no limitation
upon the progressive development OF
naval aviation.
He recommends the creation of 4
naval reserve of about 10000 men,
and $4,000 to be secured from the
honorably discharged men of the
] navy; the naval militia, and various