Opposes More Battleships.

New York Times 100 years ago today, August 2, 1912:
Everett P. Wheeler Would Have Us Set an Example to Europe.
To the Editor of The New York Times.
    There are many, I think the great majority of our people, who are against the proposal to build two new battleships, and who think that the Democratic caucus was right. The whole moral sense of this country is for Peace — for the settlement of international difficulties by arbitration — and therefore against the increase of armaments.
    The practice of the country down to the time of Roosevelt was for a small and efficient navy. He was dazzled by the big navies of other countries, and in his rough way wanted to imitate them. I do not think the country ever sympathized with this policy. At any rate, I am clear that it does not do so now. The outcry for more ships largely comes from those who want to build them.
    By deciding to limit our naval armament we set an example to England and Germany that will strengthen the hands of every peace lover in both countries.
    To say that we need a big navy to give us influence abroad is opposed to the teaching of our history. For example, when Cleveland sent his Venezuela message, we had a small navy. Nevertheless, England recognized the justice of his position and agreed to arbitration. In the language of the Democratic platform, our navy now is adequate.
    The Republican Party used to be called the party "of great moral ideas." In this matter the Democracy represents the best moral ideas of America. We shall triumph on this platform.
    EVERETT P. WHEELER.
    New York, July 31, 1912.