Page 184 - The interest of America in sea power, present and future

American Naval Power. 165

estranged from it. But, however diverse the
modes of operation, all have a common char-
acteristic, in that they bear the stamp of the
national genius, — a proof that the various im-
pulses are not artificial, but natural, and that
they therefore will continue until an adjust-
ment is reached.
What the process will be, and what the con-
clusion, it is impossible to foresee ; but that
friction at times has been very great, and mat-
ters dangerously near passing from the com-
munications of cabinets to the tempers of the
peoples, is sufficiently known. If, on the one
hand, some look upon this as a lesson to us to
keep clear of similar adventures, on the other
hand it gives a warning that not only do
causes of offence exist which may result at an
unforeseen moment in a rupture extending to
many parts of the world, but also that there is
a spirit abroad which yet may challenge our
claim to exclude its action and interference in
any quarter, unless it finds us prepared there in
adequate strength to forbid it, or to exercise our
own. More and more civilized man is needing
and seeking ground to occupy, room over which
to expand and in which to live. Like all nat-