Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1912-06-08
SWANSON URGES
NAVY INCREASE.
Virginia Senator Makes Important
Speech in Senate Today For
Two Battleships.
SAYS NECESSITY IS GREAT
Reviews Naval History of Country
and Says That Never at Amy Peri
Od Have We Needed Bigger Navy.

Washington, June S.-Declaring that
never before in the history Of the
world has there been greater neces-
sity for naval power" for the United
States. Senator Swanson, of Virginia,
this afternoon urged the Senate to
authorize two battleships next year.
Senator Swanson said in part:
Mr.. President, to my mind there is
no question pending before Congress
Of more vital Importance, or more far
reaching consequence, to this nation
than that Of the increase in our navy.
A mistake made in this matter now
would be most difficult to correct in
the future and would be fraught with
great danger and might in the coming
years culminate in national disaster
Recognizing this fully, | have de-
termined, as member of the National
committee, to present to the senate the
reasons which compel me to the con-
viction that the best interest of this
nation demand that we should without
hesitation, without interruption, con-
tinue our policy of progressively in
creasing our naval strength. All Of
the first class powers of the world are
continuously pursuing this policy One
Of the marked characteristics of mod
ern times is the tremendous increase
in naval strength in all countries in
comparison to military strength. This
phenomena is strikingly witnessed
alike in Great Britain, Germany,
France. Russia, and Japan. Each of
these countries is rapidly increasing
its navy for the purpose of acquiring
naval power.
The inquiry naturally presents it
self. Why do nations, for the pur-
poses of offensive or defensive warfare
depend now more upon navies than
upon armies? This reason is evident.
The oceans, which were formerly con-
sidered barriers of separation between
nations. have, since the introduction
and use of steam, become the easiest
and best means of communication,
Water now closely joins nations. 1t
no longer serves them. New York,
for all purposes of commerce or war
is closer to London than to San Fran
cisco.
During the recent war between ia
pan and Russia, Japan, by her COM
mand of the seas, was enabled to mass
more rapidly superior force in Man.
churia than was Russia by her sys-
TEN of railroads. BY commanding
the seas the western coast of Asia for
all purposes of war was as suitable
and convenient as if it had been a part
of Japan. Besides, the time has pass
I'd in the history of the world when
any nation can successfully lead an
isolated life. All parts Of the habl-
table globe are closely connected now
bv fast steamers. These exchange
the product of one country with an
other. Even in remote villages can
now be obtained the products of al
most all foreign countries. The devel-
opment and prosperity of every nat
ion is now largely dependent upon its
foreign commerce. For any civilized
nation to be denied access to the seas
for the sale and purchase of commodl-
ties would mean it's financial bank
ruptcy and ruin. Especially is TINS
true of the United States, whose eN-
ports exceed that of any nation.
The history of the world teaches
one sure lesson, that naval suprem-
acv ultimately means national preem-
inence and triumph. More than ever
before sea power is the best and
strongest military power.
Each year will witness the increase
of national safety, power. and pros
perity from the possession Of naval
strength. The world is on the eve OF
material development, far exceeding
anything which the imagination of the
past has thought possible. The tropics
are destined in the near future to have
prodigality of production and an in.
crease of wealth almost unspeakable
e., l.
ing the tropics, as much suited for th'
health and energy of man as any par
of the globe. The day is not far dis
tant when medicine will triumph owe