The Good Years by Walter Lord

Author:Walter Lord [Lord, Walter]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-1-4532-3843-1
Publisher: Open Road Media
Published: 2012-04-06T04:00:00+00:00

1908–9

The Great White Fleet

“Always ready at the drop of a hat, for either a fight or a frolic.”

—REAR ADMIRAL ROBLEY D. EVANS

TRADITIONALLY THE UNITED STATES fleet had always been concentrated in the Atlantic, the only conceivable setting for a sea fight. But in the summer of 1907, in a characteristically dramatic gesture, Theodore Roosevelt ordered it to prepare for a cruise to the Pacific Coast. His motives were varied—he wanted to impress the Japanese, who seemed to be feeling their oats; he hoped to give the fleet some practice; he wished to dramatize the Navy and get the money he needed to keep it up-to-date.

There had, of course, been the usual objections. Some feared “waving the fleet in Japan’s face.” Others worried about the tricky current in the Straits of Magellan, for the Panama Canal was still unfinished. Others shuddered at “denuding” the Atlantic defenses. Senator Hale of the Naval Appropriations Committee even threatened to refuse any funds for the trip. Very well, replied the President, he had enough to send the fleet out—let Congress get it back.

It wasn’t as easy to dispose of the Japanese menace. It was all very well to impress Tokyo, people said, but maybe this was going too far. Why, even now Admiral Togo’s torpedo boats might be lurking somewhere along the route. The European press was practically licking its chops. “This American fleet,” declared the London Daily News, “would crumple up and disappear before the forces of the nation which hitherto has never thought it necessary to declare war before commencing hostilities.”

The French also predicted a quick Japanese victory. The Paris paper La Libre Parole contributed perhaps the most ingenious analysis: “Is the fleet being watched by the Japanese from some dangerous ambush? Will Admiral Evans, when he arrives in April or May, find the Japanese already occupying Hawaii or the Philippines? Edward VII, Japan’s ally, could possibly answer these questions. Wilhelm II, who we believe is united by secret treaty with Washington, may have a fine opportunity to try his new fleet.”

While in no sense an ally, the Kaiser was indeed trying to be helpful. He offered an endless supply of court gossip, faithfully forwarded by U.S. Ambassador Charlemagne Tower, surely the world’s most gullible envoy. The November crop of Berlin rumors had Japan planning to seize the Panama Canal, presumably while the fleet was rounding the Horn.

There were similar stories at home—all ignored by Roosevelt as preparations went ahead for the cruise. In the end only one precaution was taken, but that was shattering to the fleet’s more urbane officers. The superbly efficient Japanese wardroom stewards were left behind.

Any lingering doubts vanished as the day of departure drew near. Excitement swept the base at Hampton Roads, where the fleet had assembled. Liberty parties roamed the streets, singing the songs that showed how they felt. The tune was borrowed from “The Kid That Built the Pyramids,” but the words were strictly their own:

Old Japan can lick our Navy,

She can? Yes? Like Hell she

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