The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1916-07-10

/ Forts cen only give protection to
very limited area Besides forts and
fortifications are stationary and must
await the attack of the enemy. and
II they are strong the enemy never
approaches tker7. Forts and fortl-
acatiOnS have never set been decisive
in warfare A hatticship rs effective
in destructive power as fort can be
carried where needed 1t seeks and
J does not await the enemy. Ii goes
where defense and protection are
/ needed. Americas safety from attack
lies far more in an adequate navy than
in fortifCatious
1 The necessity for an adequate navy
for as Is greater today than ever be
1 fore in our history The time has
passed IN the history Of the world
when any nation can successfully lead
an isolated llfe with a foreign COM
merCe far exceed g any other ma
tion, we above all other nations, need
an adequate navy TO give this COM
I Herce an ample protection.
! The unjust restrictions which
/ Great Britain has imposed upon our
commerce during the progress Of this
war further emphasizes the necessity
for having a navy large enough to
demand and enforce our rights. In
modern commerce. the nation that s. |
helpless upon tho seas f. tho prey Of !
tiQy directed by others
Need for Great Navy.
This great war vastly increased our
foreign trade and revtving our home
industries, has given US wealth almost
unspeakable. When this war tr CON
cluded this nation will be rich beyon 4
the widest dream Of avarice II we
have naval and military strength wa
VIII be able to hold our wealth, power
#-.v- ag4l
respect the day OF our despoilment
will Inevitably come. The nation and
individual weak, when rich, have over
been tho prey Of tho strong When
this great war in Europe is conclud-
ed the nations will seek som ewhere 10
recover the great losses they have sus-
tajned. Tho Western Hemisphere.
whore peace reigns and wealth grows,
offers profitable field for such plund-
ering adventures. only here can
wealth ne garncred and wisdom de-
mHnds that we here can he strong
enough to successfully resist such at
tempts When peace is made in
Europe among the conflicting nations,
many OF tho existing enmlties and
/ Jealousies will subside. and we ns the
richest nation in tho world will be-
coma the suhtect Of their jealousy and
be tho object OF their arKre sgt IN. The
Heading powers Of Europe were able
TO keep peace for years as long rs
they had something to divide among
themselves
MI President, there are those
among ne today who are foolish
lcuouEh 10 tr,st all OF this nations
rights, our national safety and indie
lpcndH0ce 20 treaties and arhirationai
tribunals. Recent history has clearly
shown that nations when self-interest
demands treat treaties as simple pa
per parchment TO be disreEarded. The
Ink was scarcely dry which fixed the
signature Of Russia and Japan to The
Hague arbitration treaty before they
were in n terrific war 70 see which
should be the successful aespofler of
large provinces belonging to tho
Chinese Empire italy was not re-
strained by her solemn pledge OF peace
and arbitration made TO Turkey from
seeking 10 enrich herself by the
acquisition OF TripoM No pledge made
by Russia and Great Britain to Persia
as q part Of this treaty. restrained
them from dividing among themselves
this helpless nation
Germany had pledged to Belgium
by treaty integrity OF territory and
neutrality but THIS did not save her
from fragrant German invasion. The
allied powers had guaranteed 20
Greece neutrality. but this did not pre-
vent them. when military advantages
demanded. 20 seize her territory and
use 1t for their military activities
Treaties and Justice have ceased 10 be
barriers against military aggression
and ambition. I hope the day will
come when peace will dominate tho
world and national disputes will DE
determined by principles Of equity and
Justice, promulgated by a properly
constituted tribunal But, sir. that
day IL far distant
Mr. President we had as well real
tie that all OF our rights. the preser-
walton of our Institutions the posses
sion Of our wealth, and the enjoyment
.rt our foreign commerce, and the CON
tnUauon of no Monroe dostrine and
'Ee ownership Of the Panama Canal
~" dependent upon our own strong
.arn. manifested and exercised
through our navy The future Of this
mighty republic lies upon the seas.
Failure there means national decad-
.erce and Disgrace. Success there
means national supremacy. power and
progress The best guaranty we have
Tor peace and the peace OF the world
js strong American navy. It is tho
best insurance We can provide against
future loss ana disaster. For this great
nation. rich IN all material wealth
nnd far richer in future possibilities,
10 risk all the hazards Of wars and 10
heoom" the prey. of weaker nations
merely for the lack of n sufficient
naval strength Is, 10 my mind. the SUI
plcme nj national folly.
Must ne second Power.
"Mr President ! believe we are safe
uu1sr rtcScut conditions OF the worlds
analr~ 81 we VIII become and remain
without question the worlds second