ADDRESS OF HON. WILLIAM C. REDFIELD. 



In speaking to this body of experts I have in mind, that "fools rush in 

 where angels fear to tread," and that a layman might perhaps wisely be 

 silent in the presence of professionals. The excuse, however, is that through 

 the courtesy of your president I was asked to come. The subject was chosen 

 as one of growing interest about which one may humbly venture to suggest 

 there are certain things that ought to be said. Yet I disavow the thought of 

 informing, much less of instructing, those who are wiser. It is merely the 

 difference in viewpoint that leads to the hope that something may be said 

 that will be suggestive and that your greater wisdom will permit you to use 

 or to modify, or to nullify as it may deserve. 



An interest in the subject is normal to one whose family for many gener- 

 ations have been shipmasters, naval engineers, or vessel owners, and who 

 has added travel in many seas on vessels under many flags, during which he 

 has used his eyes so far as years of industrial life has taught. I prize as a 

 choice possession an old liqueur bottle which once belonged to the captain of 

 an EngUsh brig captured by an American privateer in 1777, and which fell as 

 a share of the prize to the cabin boy of the Yankee vessel who was my great- 

 great-grandfather. 



It has been my privilege for twenty years to furnish articles for naval 

 use, and to reckon as valued friends shipbuilders, owners, naval constructors, 

 and engineers and other officers, both of the merchant and war marine of 

 this and other countries. This and a quarter century of manufacturing in 

 machinery Unes is the background of my thought, and it is only suggested 

 for that purpose. 



You will agree that in studying any important subject it is first necessary 

 to get all the facts and to weigh them justly. 



You will agree also that we cannot, if our judgment is to have value, 

 deal only with a part of the facts, and you will also concur that tendencies 

 are facts as truly as are things which have already been accomplished. In 



