Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1920-01-05
A Greater American Navy

As matter of national pride great
"A majority Of tho people OF this country
would rejoice in such q navy under their
flag as the navy general board has recon-
mended that is, navy which by 1925 will
he equal in strength to any af1oat Since the
earliest struggles OF the people in this coun-
try for their liberty and for their national
life, thcy have been proud Of their lighting
scamen and have gloricd in the exploits of
their men-of-war.
1t has been Il dream of many millions OF
men and women of America for the posses
sion OF fleet which ono day would confess
inferiority to none. This ambition was stimu-
lated by the naval victories OF the war with
spain and was further stimulated by the
splendid seamanship of the Americans in the
war with Germany. So that when the Sccre-
tary Of the Navy, more than a year ago, adj
vocated the upbuilding of a naval force which
would be as formidable as any in the world
there was little thought OF opposition to his
plans except on the part OF the extreme anti
militarists. But as the country has come to
realize the heavy expense OF great arma-
ncnts, even in time of peace, and has come
to know that ii must burden itself for an
other generation in order to lift the debt OF
war from its shoulders. there is pronounced
reaction against either military or naval pro-
grams which will cost enormous sums OF
money, and which will mean the indefinite
continuance OF blightinG taxation.
1t is highly i'm portant that tho United States
have strong navy 1t is important that this
navy be OF sufficient size that one-half OF il
may base on the Pacific Coast without leay-
ing the Atlantic Coast unprotected or in
adequately protected. But il is not imme-
diately necessary that the Navy Department
be authorized to launch upon sweeping
construction program, one which will accom-
plish the building OF feet that will be us
powerful us that OF Great Britain at the end
Of five years.
Very few thinking people imagine for a
minute that this country and Great Britain
ever will be in armed conflict again. whether
or not there is league OF nations or other
international association which will serve to
prevent war, and the British fleet is the only
one now upon the waters or likely to be for
generations to come which may challenge
American sea power.
The German navy, when the war began
I've years or more ago. had forged ahead 20
second place. Now that nation is without
lighting ships worthy OF tho name It's once
proud nigh seas fleet is mass OF rust at
Scapa Flow. a few smaller warships have
been left IN German hands for police pur-
poses, but there is not the remotest lkeli-
hood that Germany will again become a
serious rival either Of the United States or
Great britain upon the waves.
In the light OF all the facts and possibili.
Ties, IT seems unnecessary Tor the American
people 10 burden themselves for years TO
come In an armament with Great Brit
am. IT America pushes forward in such
competitive test, the British may be expected
to tax themselves the moro heavily in an
enort TO remain at the top OF tho list and
thc result would be vast expenditure O;
money, which might he used to far bett or
advantage in other directions.