Our Fleet Most Powerful.

New York Times 100 years ago today, May 14, 1913:
Will Dwarf Other Squadrons in the Mediterranean.
Special Cable to The New York Times.
    LONDON, Wednesday, May 14.— The Daily Telegraph gives prominence to an article dealing with the forthcoming cruise of the American fleet in European waters and takes the occasion to set forth the need of a redistribution of British naval forces.
    Referring to the fact that, apart from cruisers, torpedo craft, and auxiliaries, the American fleet contains no fewer than twenty-one battleships, the article says:
    "During the presence of these vessels in the Mediterranean, the United States will dominate naval power there. The ships will represent a far higher standard of fighting power than ever before seen in those waters. The British Navy, even during the long period of Anglo-French antagonism, has never had more than fourteen battleships in the Mediterranean, and at present the French fleet has only eighteen vessels of the battleship type in active commission, while Italy, has eight vessels, and Austria six. Consequently during the period covered by the visit of these American ships the United States will have the most powerful fleet in the Mediterranean. Its size will, indeed, completely dwarf the British squadron, which, even after the completion of the Admiralty's scheme of reorganization, will comprise only four battle cruisers and four armored cruisers. This British force when contrasted with the main fleet of the United States; will appear of almost insignificant size.
    "This demonstration of American naval power is hardly likely to be without effect on British naval opinion. Throughout the British fleet it is felt that injury to the spirit and character of the service is being done by the policy of continuous concentration in home waters."