Tillman's Poor Joke.

New York Times 100 years ago today, July 12, 1912:
    Senator Tillman of South Carolina is not a naval expert, but he has long been a member of the Senate's Committee on Naval Affairs, and he has exerted his influence, which is not yet negligible, to restrict the upbuilding of the United States Navy. Yet the need of keeping our naval establishment in its proper relation to those of the other world Powers is obvious, and there is no sensible argument against it. The majority in the House this session tried to omit an appropriation for two new battleships in order to make a show of economy. Service pensions and other extravagances, meanwhile, were rushed through, for political reasons. There is a chance now that an appropriation will be made for only one battleship. There should be two new ships every year, if not more.
    Senator Tillman, however, takes the matter jocosely. He has prepared a resolution which he intends to introduce proposing the building of the biggest battleship that can be floated. "Let us," says the Senator, "find out" just how far we can go with any degree of safety, and go there at once. Let such vessel be named the Terror and become the peacemaker of the world." This is a poor joke at best. Senator Tillman, who used to be regarded as a terror himself, professes not to believe in organized war. Pitchforks and fists serve his purpose. But he talks for political effect among the ignorant and discontented. It is a shame that all this discussion must be endured yearly in order to keep up our navy. We need a potent navy to-day more than ever, and one absolutely free from political influence of any sort.