New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-10-06
Defence TO Inspire Respect"

AND as the peoples Of America
have to-day no certainty Of what will
take place tomorrow in world dis
turbed by the spirit of aggression, il is
evident that they cannot consider
themselves as shielded from all direct
danger and much less from the indirect
dangers which may arise out of the
present conflict. In the face OF such 4
situation. il would be wise not to per-
sist in the illusion Of the security in
which we have lived, but create for the
defence Of the continent and for the
promotion and assurance of the har-
monious development and permanent
prosperity Of the American nations, an
organization in itself sufficient TO in
spire respect.
In this organization, which circum
stances indicate as a historical neces-
sity, there falls to the United States
the preponderant role, and, consequent
~. on it falls the greatest effort and
the greatest responsibility, not only
because il is the most powerful coun-
try of the continent, but because IL has
voluntarily constituted itself the cham
pion of the other American nations.
Canal Must Be Protected.
Speaking particularly of the Re-
public OF Panama, l should say that it
has a direct interest in the United
States, having all the elements of de-
fence penasble 10 enforce respect
for its honor, its rights and its in
terests, because this country has eX-
pressly bound itself 10 guarantee and
to maintain the independence and the
sovereignty Of Panama, and Panama IS
the very American nation more ex-
posed than any other to become the OBJ
ject of armed aggression and the scene
Of bloody wars. 1t contains within its
territory the work of greatest impor-
lance to-day for universal commerce,
and, at the same time, the most ef-
fcient strategic work which q country
can command. Any danger of war for
the United States entails still greater
danger for Panama, because the coun-
try at war with the United States Will
above all desire to take possession OF
the canal, and the operations which 1t
may conduct TO this end will have to
take place on Panaman territory"
Among other speakers were Simon
Wolf. ex-Minister to Egypt, and A. b.
Humphrey, of New York, vice-presi-
dent Of the American Peace and Arbi-
tration League. Mr.. Humphrey said 1t
was his belief that the dove Of peace
could find the best nest in the fighting
top Of battleship.
Call for Adequate Defence.
The following resolution was adopted
at the meeting:
Resolved, That it is the sense of
the Navy League of the United States
that the American people. in order to
provide for their vital needs at home
and abroad, FOR their security from for
eign aggression, and for the mainten-
ance in full flower of the ideals which
have inspired the Republic from its
foundations, must create an efficient
fleet, sufficient in size to keep the ma
tional honor unstained. To this end
the Navy League of the United States
indorses unreservedly the views which
have been enunciated by the experts Of
the General Board of the navy, prop
erly charged with the important duties
of determining the size OF the feet.
"Resolved, further, That the Navy
League believes that means should be
adopted TO coordinate the needs of the
navy, as expressed by the General