THE AMERICAN FLEET.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 160, 31 March 1908, Page 6

THE AMERICAN FLEET.

Since our. last writing upon the. 'forthcoming visit of:the United States' fleet to Australia, representations ' have been made to the authorities in Washington with the object .of having New Zealand included! in the great cruise. It is pleasant to learn that the Navy Department lias; "practically decided" to permit the fleet to visit Auckland. Perhaps it is too much to expect that Wellington . should also be honoured by a visit, but, as the first invitation was so well: received, there be reasonable grounds for hoping that a favourable reply will be given to the invitation tvhich the Governof arid the Premier have been asked by Mr. Hislop,. as .President of the local branch of . the Navy League, to transmit to the proper quarter on behalf of this city. To visit both Auckland and Wellington, and, to'sample the. hospitality of both cities, : would probably prolong the voyage by four or five days beyond the period that: it would occupy ,if only oi;e of the two ports were'visited, and .'.be: considered a decisive obstacle to the major project., :We hope' that . the local. Navy League' will exert in the right quarter as-much pressure as politeness permits,,so that the Wellington public may not be disappointed of, the entertainment of: the fleet, or, at any, rate, of sonie portion of it. 1 •• : : It 1 , hardly.' requires to' be said that the fleet-will be'welcomed by. !NW Zealand 1 entirely without reserve. A penalty of the phenomenal national development, of the United States has been the growth of a tendency .in the world outside the boundaries set by. tho .Monroe ' 'Doctrine - 'to; • picture America as a great commercial nation remarkable for millionaires, eccentric newspapers, dyspepsia-breeding " hustle," and very little else. That it is "a world power" in this military and naval 'sense; is .hardly ever remembered ; by the admiring and' amazed "• foreigner." The voyage of . the fleet around the world will correct this errancy of opinion, l and: the great assemblage- of battleships, as they-lie, in a: New Zealand harbour, will, give the people of ( tliis- country a truer-view, of' the great 'Western nation,- and will be in .'favour of, ai better -. understanding and'; a very wholesome mutual .goodwill. ; I l'-