Of the Dreadnought Type
By Editor
THE first vessel of the Dreadnought, or all-big-gun type of battle-ship was commenced by England in 1905, as the result of observations by her naval officers in the Russo-Japanese war. This vessel, begun in 1905, was put into commission in 1906, making the quickest record by far up to that time for the building of a great fighting ship. In this year, 1911, only six years having elapsed, there are exactly one hundred of these monster ships either completed or in process of construction. Great Britain, Germany, the United States, and Brazil are the only nations that have any of the Dreadnought war-ships in commission. The other nations that have them in process of construction are Japan, Italy, Austria, Russia, France, Spain, Argentine, Chile, and Turkey. After the success of the Dreadnought battle-ship was assured, the building of Dreadnought cruisers was the next step. The up-to-date cruiser of this type has a speed of about twenty-five knots an hour, and carries about the same battery of big guns that the regular battle-ship does, the main difference being in lighter armor and construction otherwise for this great speed. Britain, Germany, and Japan are the only nations at the present time that are building these large cruisers. Men with powerful influence, like President Taft, Doctor Jordan, Mr. Carnegie, and numerous others, are working to secure and hold peace for the whole world. But while the good work they are doing is going on, there has never been such an awful war fever as has seized the entire world. It takes only four or five years to render all implements of warfare obsolete, and in many instances, worthless. To the individual who is familiar with Bible prophecy, this sentiment in favor of peace, which is met and contradicted by these mighty preparations for war, is plainly understood. If there was no other prophetic prediction in all the Word of God, this one should be enough to convince us of the truth and accuracy of divine prophecy. Recently in some special articles this matter was set forth quite fully in these columns, and from time to time we call attention to the evidence. Have you been studying it? The subject is a striking one, and is worthy of the attention of all.