Page 137 - The interest of America in sea power, present and future

1 1 8 Possibilities of an

near that it scarcely needs a prophet's eye to
read; but even if it be but a prejudice, it must
be removed before a further step can be taken.
In our country national policy, if it is to be
steadfast and consistent, must be identical with
public conviction. The latter, when formed,
may remain long quiescent ; but given the ap-
pointed time, it will spring to mighty action —
aye, to arms — as did the North and the South
under their several impulses in 1861.
It is impossible that one who sees in the
sea— in the function which it discharges to-
wards the world at large — the most potent
factor in national prosperity and in the course
of history, should not desire a change in the
mental attitude of our countrymen towards
maritime affairs. The subject presents itself
not merely as one of national importance, but
as one concerning the world's history and the
welfare of mankind, which are bound up, so far
as we can see, in the security and strength of
that civilization which is identified with Europe
and its offshoots in America. For what, after
all, is our not unjustly vaunted European and
American civilization ? An oasis set in the
midst of a desert of barbarism, rent with many