The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1933-10-27
NAVY Day


In classroom and at luncheon club
meetings. from platform. printed page
and broadcasting station the nation
today pays tribute to the American
Navy, for this Is It's birthday anniver-
sary.
As the calendar measures time, the
American Navy Is 158 years old, hav-
ing been founded on October n, ITS.
by the Continental Congress. In
achievement, however. it Is infinitely
older, for at many stages In our his
tory our doughty Tars and sturdy
ships have been all that saved US from
disaster and its honors equal those
Of any other nation.
Had it not been for the American
Navy. for example, the area in which
we live would now be British terri
tory. It was saved to the United
States by Perry's victory on Lake Erie
in the war OF 1872.
Prior to that historic event, listed
among the most important naval bat
ties IN the world and the only one OF
tar-reaching consequence ever fought
on fresh water, England insisted that
all the area contiguous to or drained
by the Great Lakes be made into an
Independent Indian state under Brit
lsh sovereignty.
Perry settled that argument. The
British couldn't very well uphold their
claim after they had been chased off
the lakes.
In other times and in other places
the navy has done its full duty to in
spire respect for America, protect our
citizens and commerce and strengthen
the hands OF our diplomats at world
council tables.
That there IS . direct relationship
between naval power and world posi-
ton can hardly be denied. for the Law
Of Christian brotherhood still Is a trail
thing in the world and the one uni
versal way Of winning respect IS by =
show Of power or the known ability
to display it.
It is pleasant thing, in view Of
chaotic conditions around the globe,
that We now are building up our navy
10 a point commensurate with our
position and our interests. 1t is an
expensive thing. to be sure, but so are
insurance policies-untu they are
needed.
It Is the devout wish OF all Ameri-
cans that this nation need never fight
another war. II We are forced to
hostilities, however, the investment in
men and materials We now are max
ing will return magnificent dividends.
Our experience in the last war taught
us that.
This day, also. is the birthday ami
versary OF Theodore Roosevelt, often
referred to as the Father OF the
Modern American Navy and the ma
ton is glad to honor his memory. both
as a leader and as citizen.
In his day and time Theodore Roo
sevelt did much to give Americans q
thrill OF pride, but more important,
ne led them toward q new way Of
thinking. The common man gained
much as a result Of Theodore Rooee-
Velt's activities. BY reason OF his
championship. the status Of the aver
age citizen was greatly improved. AS
fighter for social justice he was in
strumenta, IN striking from all man
kind some OF the mental and eco
nonic shackles which impeded human
progress.
North Dakota claims him As An
adopted son, for it was his years in
cur Bad Lands which restored him to
health and contributed to the stamina
and physique which was later to stand
him IN good stead.
It IS proud Of him and his achieve
ments. It Is equally proud Of the
large number Of fine men, many Of
them still In their prime, whom It has
contributed to the nary which Theo-
dore Roosevelt helped to modernize.
Prayer for Diversion