164 Admiral Dewey 



proposition to buy armor-plate for the new ships, 

 assumed precisely the ground that was taken by the 

 men who, prior to 1883, had succeeded in preventing 

 the rebuilding of the navy. Both alike did all they 

 could to prevent the upholding of the national honor 

 in times of emergency. There were the usual argu 

 ments: that we were a great peaceful people, and 

 would never have to go to war ; that if we had a navy 

 or army we should be tempted to use it and there 

 fore embark in a career of military conquest; that 

 there was no need of regulars anyhow, because we 

 could always raise volunteers to do anything; that 

 war was a barbarous method of settling disputes, and 

 too expensive to undertake even to avoid national 

 disgrace, and so on. 



But fortunately the men of sturdy common sense 

 and sound patriotism proved victors, and the new 

 navy was begun. Its upbuilding was not a party 

 matter. The first ships were laid down under Sec 

 retary Chandler; Secretary Whitney continued the 

 work; Secretary Tracy carried it still further; so 

 did Secretary Herbert, and then Secretary Long. 

 Congress after Congress voted the necessary money. 

 We have never had as many ships as a nation of 

 such size and such vast interests really needs; but 

 still by degrees we have acquired a small fleet of 

 battleships, cruisers, gunboats, and torpedo-boats, 

 all excellent of their class. The squadron with 



