Word: fleetingly
(lookup in dictionary)
(lookup stats)
Dates: all
Sort By: most recent first
(reverse)
...Yale argument was as follows: The present navy consisting mainly of cruisers is sufficient for a peace footing. Battleships are money thrown away except in case of war, which is unlikely. Finally, even if war is declared, land defences are more effectual than a seagoing fleet...
Noble called attention to the exact terms of the question. He showed that by "sea-going vessels" was meant only cruisers and battleships Our present fleet of cruisers ranks third in the world, and no more are needed. To raise the battleships to a like efficiency would require 25 new vessels...
Thus of the three chief uses for a navy (1) coast defense does not require sea-going vessels, (2) peace duties are now cared for by cruisers, (3) the sea battle alone remains, a remote possibility. Moreover, the increase of the fleet will force the country into an un-American policy of aggression...
John Kirkland Clark who spoke second for Yale, followed the lines of argument of his colleague, and showed that the only possible use for a large sea-going fleet, is in case of war. War, however, is most improbable, (1) on account of our geographical situation, (2) on account of our inherent strength. Clark concluded by asking whether we are justified in spending 100 millions to forestall such an unlikely evil. He had a smooth delivery, and in general his points were well taken. His chief fault was lack of unity, and a tendency to repeat what had already been...
...Confederates realized the importance of the issue, and had strongly fortified every commanding bluff which offered a strong position on the great river. The Union fleet, however, had easily controlled the lowlands, and Grant's brilliant advance parallel to the river had outflanked the strongholds one by one, and compelled their surrender...