And State Papers 691 



our Government will always derive most aid in 

 support of our . . . rights. Every power en- 

 gaged in war will know the strength of our naval 

 power, the number of our ships of each class, their 

 condition, and the promptitude with which we may 

 bring them into service, and will pay due considera- 

 tion to that argument." 



I heartily congratulate the Congress upon the 

 steady progress in building up the American Navy. 

 We can not afford a let-up in this great work. To 

 stand still means to go back. There should be no 

 cessation in adding to the effective units of the 

 fighting strength of the fleet. Meanwhile the Navy 

 Department and the officers of the navy are doing 

 well their part by providing constant service at sea 

 under conditions akin to those of actual warfare. 

 Our officers and enlisted men are learning to handle 

 the battleships, cruisers, and torpedo boats with 

 high efficiency in fleet and squadron formations, 

 and the standard of marksmanship is being steadily 

 raised. The best work ashore is indispensable, but 

 the highest duty of a naval officer is to exercise 

 command at sea. 



The establishment of a naval base in the Philip- 

 pines ought not to be longer postponed. Such a 

 base is desirable in time of peace; in time of war 

 it would be indispensable, and its lack would be 

 ruinous. Without it our fleet would be helpless. 

 Our naval experts are agreed that Subig Bay is the 

 proper place for the purpose. The national inter- 

 ests require that the work of fortification and de- 



