Jasper County Democrat, Volume 14, Number 23, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 8 July 1911 — Future Wars Will Be Decided Upon the Sea [ARTICLE]

Future Wars Will Be Decided Upon the Sea

By BEEKMAN WINTHROP. Assistant Secretary of the Navy

CHOUGH we are all most desirous that war shall not CHECK the peaceful progress of the nation, we must recognize that ■' this country since its inception has NEVER enjoyed forty years of peace uninterrupted by war. The average period between wars of this country has been only a few months over twentynine years, so if anything like this ratio is preserved in the future our soldiers will probably soon see active service. I am most desirous of continued peace and sincerely trust that the agitation for arbitration 'treaties and an international tribunal with adequate power to enforce its ordained decrees will BEAR FRUIT, but he who believes that international peace has arrived and that Uo more wars will occur enjoys an optimism greater than I can acquire. THE CONTROL OF THE SEA WILL, IN MY OPINION, BE THE CRUCIAL TURNING POINT OF ANY WAR IN WHICH WE MAY BE ENGAGED. It is therefore evident how incumbent it is upon the navy to maintain the material and personnel allowed us by congress that it may always be at the HIGHEST point of efficiency.