The Washington herald., 1913-08-25
Rivers SERVEAS
DEFENSE FACTOR
Representative Kahn of Cali.
fornia Holds Waterways
Most Important.
SAYS ARMY INADEQUATE
Tells of Necessity Of Improving Har-
bors in Case Of Outbreak
of War.
SAYS ARMY INADEQUATE

That Improvement of the rivers and
harbors of this country is an important
factor in the national defense is con-
clusion reached by Representative Julius
Kahn of California. Mr.. Kahn is the
ranking minority member Of the Com
mittee on Military Affairs. and has given
muCn attention 10 the problems OF army
organization, but he is also deeply inter
ssItd in the Improvement Of navigation,
believing, as he does, that the future
greatness of America dcpsnds upon uti'iz-
ing our natural resources 10 the best ad-
vantage and mSking them serve the na-
ton in a practical way.
"I am in favor of the best system OF
river and harbor improvements we can
devise" said Mr.. Kahn, speaking of such
improvements in connection with the ma
tionaI defense. Naturally, l am much
interested in an efficient army and
strong navy, and / realize the necessity
for making use of our rivers and harbors
not only for commerce, but as a means
of defense. We never know when 1t may
be necessary TO have troops afioat. In
time of war we would not dare send
troops to sea without naval convoy.
II that convoy should be attacked by
superior numbers anywhere near our
coasts the troop ships must seek shelter
in the nearest port. With them should
go the convoy, consequently the haroors
on our coast should be made accessible
TO our deep-draft battleships. Good har-
bors will thus become an aid to the na-
tional defense as well as a benefit to COLI
merce."
Mr.. Kahn does not believe there can
be anything sectional in advocating a
liberal policy for the rivers and har-
bors, or the improvement OF any other
rational project, for the reason that aG
sections must be benefited by every
thing that is for the common good.
The Panama Canal is the greatest
waterway Improvement ever undertaken
in the world" said the California Con-
gresham, but its supporters were not
confined to the Pacific Coast or the At
Iantic Coast. The Mississippi Valley,
whose ships we hope TO see in the near
future passing through the Golden Gate;
the people of the iron and coal regions
contiguous to the Ohio River: people Of
the Western prairies, and those within
the shadow of the Rocky Mountains, all
were interested in and helped TO make
the canal possible. Some were actuate5
by the moving spirit of the human race
the increase in worldly acquisitions
which the canal would bring-but above
and beyond all else that caused the
construction of the Panama Canal was
the lofty patriotism OF a people proud
of their nation and determined TO Ere
serve it for their posterity.
Thinks Army Inadequate.
we dredge our rivers: We build our
harbors; we impove our navigation for
that which makes the pulses of the
world thrOb in business activity-for the
returns in dollars and cents which sure
Iy fOIiOW buiIf banana
Canal and control ii. primarily, as a
means OF national safety. We build our
hattleships and maintain our army mot
now in such a condition as I think ade-
quate or desirable) for the same purpose.
We utilize our advantage for commerce,
but a still higher motive is the preserva-
ton OF the republic.
1T is well known among my friends
that am in favor of a short enlistment
in the army, with the view that soldiers
will become trained and afterward be
available for a substantial reserve corps,
which can be called into service in case
Of war or other emergency. Much in the
same manner DO the rivers and narbors.
when well improved, become an adjunct
Of the national defense.
Il have been much impressed with the
increased interest shown in river and
harbor improvements in connection with
the construction OF the Panama Canal
and the general tendency TO better the
facilities of commerce everywhere. but
our people should not forget that our
narDors must be protected Dy adequate
fortifcations; that the canal must be
absolutely assured to our control by a
strong force of infantry and coast artil-
lery, and that our cor -aerce which floats
upon the high seas must be guarded by
a navy which cannot be defeated.
1t seems to me that all the great
things We are doing and must do go
hand in hand. We build a canal for the
commerce of the world and for our own
protection. And we must fortify and
garrison that canal We improve our
rivers and harbors in order that ships
flying the American flag can pass down
and out into the ocean with cargoes
from the farms and factories of our
broad land. We maintain a navy which
will protect those ships afloat- And at
home We should have an army which
will assure US from apprehension that
a foreign foe will land a force within
our borders
Count the cost? or course, count the
cost. The millions upon Snillions paid
out every year for insurance are counted
in the cost OF conducting private busi-
ness, but 1t is considered money well in
vested. So it is with our river and har-
Dor improvements. They are investments
and insurance. They mean trade and
commerce, safety and peace, while the
greatest nation ever known goes for
ward with its wonderful achievements"