p. 7 | L. A. S by L. A. S.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Mar 2, 1905

L. A. S

By L. A. S.

RESIDENTS of the United States may congratulate themselves that they are not burdened with the expense of maintaining a large standing army, but the increased demand which has come, with the era of “expansion” and colonial possessions, for the creation of a powerful navy is bringing an ever-increasing taxation for military expenditure which will ere-long amount to no inconsiderable burden. There are now building in the United States fourteen battle-ships and ten armored cruisers, besides other smaller vessels of war, the annual cost of maintaining which, when they are in commission, with the thirteen battle-ships, thirteen protected cruisers, several armored cruisers, and other vessels already built, will be $77,000,000. Since 1883 a round billion of dollars has been spent by the United States for national defense. Every new battle-ship or cruiser that is built requires a large complement of officers and men, with military and other stores, coal, etc., which can be provided and maintained only at great expense. The cost of building such ships, also, is now much greater than it was a few years ago, and appears likely to increase rather than diminish. Should the insular possessions of the United States be threatened by some strong naval power there would almost certainly be an irresistible demand in this country for a great navy, the mere cost of maintaining which would forever after be a heavy military burden.