Page 198 - The interest of America in sea power, present and future

Preparedness for Naval War. 179

national consciousness that in this, that, or the
other direction lie clear national interests — for
which each generation is responsible to futu-
rity — or national duties, equally clear from the
mere fact that the matter lies at the door, like
Lazarus at the rich man's gate. The question
of when or how action shall be taken which
may result in hostilities, is indeed a momen-
tous one, having regard to the dire evils of
war ; but it is the question of a moment, of
the last moment to which can be postponed a
final determination of such tremendous conse-
quence. To this determination preparation for
war has only this relation : that it should be
adequate to the utmost demand that then can
be made upon it, and, if possible, so imposing
that it will prevent war ensuing, upon the firm
presentation of demands which the nation
believes to be just. Such a conception, so
stated, implies no more than defence, — defence
of the nation s rights or of the nation's duties,
although such defence may take the shape of
aggressive action, the only safe course in war.
Logically, therefore, a nation which proposes
to provide itself with a naval or military organ-
ization adequate to its needs, must begin by