Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1916-09-20
LET ENGLAND DEFEND US

To the Editor of the Evening Ledger:
Sir-My earnest congratulations to you for
the vigorous and admirable remarks con-
cerning the war. which make their appear
ance daily in your columns.
A similar approval however, cannot be
vouchsafed to the actions of those who ad-
vocate a larger navy for the United states.
End such approval irreconcilable with all
the patriotism and nobility of my nature,
not because substantial increase would
be an intrinsic menace to the stability OF
our mutual institutions, but rather because
such a course is useless and foolish at
tempt to supply a supposed want where'
In reality, none exists. There is, indeed,
no necessity for the United States to build
ships of war as long Great Britain re-
tains her unchallenged supremacy on the
sea, for Americas safety is essentially
bound up in, and dependent upon an un-
conquered English navy. Why should any
American desire an enlargement of the
United States navy, when he is cognizant
that for more than hundred years the
independence of his land has been safe
guarded by Great Britain, ever the pro-
tectress of the weaker nations nay, further,
when he knows that 1t was through Eng
lish. intelligence and benignity that his
country took her place not far below Eng
land among the powers of the earth2
A careful student of the history of
America and her motherland, II he be a
citizen of the former and a loyalist to the
latter, has no difficulty In realizing the
happy significance Of the words of Lord
| Rosebery, the great English statesman
| who asserted that he knows of nothing more
disheartening that the news that the
United States would increase the size OF
| her navy, and, while pretend not to be
possessed of keener insight than our far
seeing stateman, 1 would improve his
statement to the extent of admonishing
| that 1t would be the part of wise and
| grateful America financially to support the
| English navy and add the American war
| ships to the galaxy of Britain's invlncibles
| Here, In truth, would be genuine loyalty and
| a step toward the union of England and
America such as has not been taken since
Parliament bestowed freedom upon these
colonies. This naval plan could readily be
| effected by any Anglo American treaty
| and would give America a share in the
glory of Britannia's battles. for have nc
| doubt that the Prime Minister and the Cab.
met would permit the ships which America
surrendered to retain their Yankee names
| or even allow them TO be wslolly American
in their crews, with the probable exception
of British officers This would prevent an,
| repetition of such bungling as has beer
Justly ascribed to the present American ad
ministration, due especially to the incom
petency of Mr.. Daniels do not of course
wish 10 censure Professor Wilson for YOU
Chief Executives attitude on the war ha
been satisfactory in the highest degree, ant
relatives Of mine, from whom / receiv
epistles periodically, are continually urginl
me to insist that my American acquaint
ances support MIN for reelection by ever,
| means In their power
Come then. American cousins. let IA
| make haste before 1t is too late. 'Procras
tination Is the thief OF time" and IL Amer
lea is dilatory Parliament may refuse I,
hearken TO her pleading but belated cries
What more inspiring In all the world thar
America. the young and wayward daughter
not only resting again upon the strong arm
| OF England, the motherly, the merciful tn
Ljust. but permitted once more to enter tn
royal household where she win be SAT
from the winds of adversely, where he
weakness win be shielded by the strengt
| Of Britannia's entwining arms
Yes. this Is Americas opportunity 70 OBJ
tain protection against the attacks of tn
Huns. Standing beneath the glorious en-
blem unsullied through a thousand year,
} | she may sneer at the Kaiser and say
Bring on your barbarous hordes / wa
weak and you threatened me Now l al
I strong. ! am protected by Englana's powe
, | as well as her ancient ana unfailinE lov.
and can now laugh Il YOU ana the rebeI
+ lions ireland which has refused 70 send u<
sons to tie great u4T ~ which your lhron