Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1916-07-13

Industries. has given us wealth almost
unspeakable. When this war is con-
cluded this nation will be rich beyond
the widest dream OF avarice. II we
have naval and military strength we
will be able to hold our wealth, power,
and prestige. If we are weak in this
respect the day of our despoilment will
inevitably come.
Are we foolish enough to believe
that this nation, which, with it's vast
wealth and unsurpassed possibilities
the object of envy and Jealousy of other
nations-can be safe If we permit our
selves to become fourth or fifth rate
naval power? Are we simple minded
enough to risk our national safety to
the chances of their mutual jealousies
and enmities? Could this restrain each
of them when the destruction of our
navy would mean the overthrow of the
Monroe doctrine and the opening up TO
them of Central and South America
for the purpose of exploitation and
spoliation? Has not one of these ma
1ions disputed the Monroe doctrine, and
only needed a sufficient navy to chal-
lenge it? Have we not an aggressive
eastern neighbor, who looks with COW
etous eyes upon our Philippine pos
sessions? Are we weak minded enough
to imagine that we can control the
Panama canal for our own advantage
and profit unless we have a navy suf-
ficient to fully protect it. Are we going
to permit the $500, zoo. 900 we expended
in this great enterprise to be appro-
priated by other nations with superior
naval strength!
Should Be Second Greatest Power.
II believe we are safe under present
conditions, of the worlds affairs if we
will become and remain without ques-
ton the worlds second naval power.
Our national honor. prestige and safety
will not permit of less. If those nations
who are competing with us for this po-
sition increase their navies, we must
equally increase ours. With our vast
and varied interests, with our great re-
sponsibilities, with the present political
complications in the world, we cannot
with safety afford to be less than the
worlds second naval power If we re-
main less than this, our vast foreign
commercial interests. inseparable from
our prosperity, will be jeopardiZed. Our
Philippine possessions will be the prey
of superior naval power. Our foreign
policies and intercourse will neces-
sarily become timid and vacillating.
1.-The great affairs of the world affecting
our interests will be regulated without
come suppliants. pleading for rights in
stead of boldly and courageously demand
ing them. 1t will mean the surrender OF
our great prestige 1t will mean dis
tinct loss to the world of the great power
possessed by this nation for peace, justice
and liberty The Monroe doctrine would
be challenged and our control of the Pan
anna canal disputed. 1t would mean that
this mighty young republic has retreated
and has ceased to advance along the
pathway that was leading her to a higher
and nobler destiny
THE American Navy has ever been the
pride of our people. They have ever felt
that it was their surest and safest de-
Tense We gratefully remember how
many difficulties and disasters we have
averted in the past by our naval sue
cesses. Our debt of national gratitude
to the navy is great and lasting.
IF this nation is to attain the sum-
nit of her possible usefulness and
success Prudence and wisdom de-