The Naval Spectacle.

New York Times 100 years ago today, October 13, 1912:
    The enthusiasm aroused by the parade of the men-of-war's men on Broadway and Fifth Avenue yesterday is a proof of the pride the American people take in their navy. The spectacle in the North River justifies the pride. The 123 ships of war and tenders there arrayed have afforded the people of this neighborhood their first opportunity to judge of the magnitude of the preparations made for our National defense on the sea. While the Atlantic fleet is mobilized here, the Pacific fleet is assembled at San Francisco and the Asiatic fleet at Manila. Our whole navy, for the moment, is on parade and under inspection not only of its Commander in Chief, the President, but of the people whom he represents. The time was well planned. We need such a navy as we have, and we shall need such a navy as it will become with growth, if the growth is not impeded by politicians. The general manifestation of respect and admiration for the navy is therefore, a well-merited and well-timed rebuke to the petty political agencies which have been working to check its growth.
    Nobody seriously disputes the effectiveness of our navy as it is; the development of efficiency has been remarkable, the splendid new dreadnoughts compare favorably with the best fighting ships of other nations. But more are needed. It is useless to argue that we got along well enough for many years with an inefficient navy. Times have changed. We have a continent to protect from encroachment, we shall soon have the new great waterway to guard. The world is in a state of unrest. Much is said by the peace advocates of the cost of this great establishment. The country can better afford to bear the cost than to lack the protection it affords. The limitation of shipbuilding this year to one dreadnought was a shameful error. In the future the United States must be a great naval power or it must fall behind in the progress of the nations.