Germany and America’s Naval Race
Germany’s great plan for the increase of her navy by the addition of 34 battle-ships, which were to be completed by the year 1916, has been so laid out that the ships are to be ready for service by 1906. At that time, in addition to her 34 new battle-ships, Germany will have a fleet of 20 large cruisers and 48 small cruisers, with a considerable number of older battle-ships available for duty. This enormous increase is being regarded with more or less suspicion at Washington. While the government anticipates no trouble with Germany, it is felt that it is always best to be prepared, and the government will urge Congress to continue the policy of increasing the navy. According to the present naval program, the United States will have, by the year 1904, 18 battle-ships and 10 armored cruisers, or less than half of what Germany’s naval strength will be in 1906. Since the battle of Manila Bay, there has been a feeling that Germany and the United States might some day be involved in war, and there seems now to be a prospect of a ship-building race between these two powers for supremacy on the sea.