U.S. NAVAL POWER.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2167, 16 April 1908, Page 3

U.S. NAVAL POWER.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE TO CONGRESS. BRITAIN’S POLICY WORTHY OF EMULATION. (Received April 15, 9.37 pan.) United Press Association —Copyright NEW YORK, April* 15. President Roosevelt’s message, urging Congress to provide four battleships of the largest type immediately, remarks that China is an example of peace at any price, while Great Britain’s naval policy ought to be emulated. The Hague Conference showed that when nations disagree as to the limit of naval armaments, arbitration is an ineffective remedy, though' it ought to be utilised to the fullest extent. While disclaiming any intention of engaging in a war of conquest, President Roosevelt states that America can ill afford to relapse into the position where insult must be borne in silence. If she built only two battleships a year, America would go backward in naval rank and relative power among the great nations, which was unwise if she fronted merely one ocean, ami doubly unwise when fronted by two. Neither arbitration nor any other device can prevent the gravest and most terrible wrong to people who have lost the capacity for self-de-fence. If America desired to avoid insult she must be able to repel it, and if she desired peace she must at all times be ready for war.