Word: sea
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Dates: during 1890-1899
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Noble called attention to the exact terms of the question. He showed that by "sea-going vessels" was meant only cruisers and battleships Our present fleet of cruisers ranks third in the world, and no more are needed. To raise the battleships to a like efficiency would require 25 new vessels...
Thus of the three chief uses for a navy (1) coast defense does not require sea-going vessels, (2) peace duties are now cared for by cruisers, (3) the sea battle alone remains, a remote possibility. Moreover, the increase of the fleet will force the country into an un-American policy of aggression...
John Kirkland Clark who spoke second for Yale, followed the lines of argument of his colleague, and showed that the only possible use for a large sea-going fleet, is in case of war. War, however, is most improbable, (1) on account of our geographical situation, (2) on account of our inherent strength. Clark concluded by asking whether we are justified in spending 100 millions to forestall such an unlikely evil. He had a smooth delivery, and in general his points were well taken. His chief fault was lack of unity, and a tendency to repeat what had already been...
...doctrine as protector of the South American republics, they act as colonies. As to our love for England, the war scare last December did not show it. As to our navy, the present rate of increase is not adequate. As for torpedo boats they must be classed with the sea-going navy. Furthermore a large and immediate increase in the navy is demanded as an insurance for the property invested in the coast cities...
...Sinclair Kennedy, "The Gift of the Sea," Rudyard Kipling...