AMERICA AND THE COMMAND OF THE SEA. [To TUN EDITOR
OF TEN " SPNCTATOR."1 Snt,—Perhaps you will allow an Englishman who has lived in America for more than forty years, and who has taken some part in public affairs in that country, to say that in his judgment enlightened public opinion there would in the main agree with you (Spectator, May 22nd) that it ie not to the interest of America that England should lose the command of the sea, so long as America is not prepared to assume it. But it would be a great mistake to imagine that the "enlightened" public of America would be able to translate this opinion into action of any practical character in the event of an outbreak of hostilities between Germany and Britain, involving the possible loss of sea power by the latter. The Constitution confides to Congress the sole power of declaring war, and the German and Irish vote in combination would alone suffice to prevent its exercise in favour of England against Germany. Unfortunately sentiment rather than practical wisdom would control the result.—I am, Sir, &c., CITIZEN.
We agree. We have never dreamt of saying that America would go to war with Germany merely to help us. Still, the facts are as we stated them. America has a great deal to fear from the possession of the command of the sea by Germany. —ED. Spectator.]
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