Show Naval Naval Supremacy 11 cy Sir Cyprian Bridge has said one of the functions of a fleet Is the defense of commerce There Thero Is no more im tm- important important function for tor a n fleet than this writes John Hays Hammond Jr In Inthe Inthe Inthe the Atlantic Monthly A nation may maybe maybe be subjugated by hy direct Invasion or It may be isolated from the t world by blockade If It the blockade be sufficiently long and effectively maintain maintain- maintained ed it will ruin the nation as effectually effectual ly Iy ns as direct invasion Thus In tho ho maintenance of n a nations nation's merchant Its y nu exercises ex ex- exercises marine on the the- high seas navy one of It Its most vital functions There can cnn therefore be e no naval supremacy su su- for tor a n nation unless Its commerce com corn commerce Immunity from merce is assured of considerable losses through the attack of its enemy ene ny |