| OCR Text |
Show A VAST NAVAL PROGRAM. In Time of Peace France Prepares for Possible War. "In time of peace prepare for war" is an axiom which France has made the basis of her new naval program. This" piogram "provides for the construction con-struction of 100 new fighting ships as an addition to a navy which in size' and effectiveness is second only to Great Britain's. The first of these ships has already been launched. It is the Leon Gambetta, and will cost about $6,000,000. It will be seen, therefore, that France means not merely to build the new ships but is resolved that no expense shall be spared in making them the best of their class. Although England is mistress of the seas by virtue of her immense naval establishment establish-ment and maritime spirit, French naval constructors have no superiors in the world, and French war vessels, are inferior to none. Indeed, it is conceded con-ceded that, next to the United States, France is more progressive in naval construction than any other nation,, has less veneration for old and more hospitality for new ideas than most, and in this respect is far ahead of England, where conservatism is strongly strong-ly entrenched in the Admiralty. When the French republic shall have realized its ambitious plans, it will have little fear from any single nation; but this-program this-program will put a burden on Great Britain if the policy to maintain a. navy of an effective strength equal to. any two other nations is to be main-r main-r tained. . |
