ILLUSTRATIONS
| Portrait of Author | [Frontispiece] |
| The Vast Territory that Our Inflated Monroe Doctrine Obligates Us to Defend | [60] |
| The Heart of America | [76] |
| Relative Numerical Strength of Field Artillery | [104] |
| Portrait of General Leonard Wood, U. S. A. | [114] |
| Number of Officers and Enlisted Men of U. S. Regular Army | [118] |
| Strength of Regular Armies on Peace Footing | [125] |
| Portrait of Admiral Austin M. Knight, U. S. N. | [150] |
| Strategic Spheres of Vital Importance in the Pacific | [160] |
| Battleship Strength of the Nations | [168] |
| How New York Could Be Bombarded from a Position off Rockaway Beach Beyond the Range of Our Forts | [188] |
| Opposing Fleets in Action | [196] |
| Some Annual United States Expenditures | [226] |
| Enormous Resources of the Warring Nations | [232] |
| Casualties of Peace and War Compared | [296] |
INTRODUCTION
OUR GREAT OBSESSION
Success in every human pursuit depends upon ability to discern the truth and to utilize it. Facts, though they may be stern, are our best friends, and we should always welcome them with an open mind.
Napoleon said that with good news there is never any hurry, but with bad news not a moment is to be lost. Consequently, those who discover to us certain facts of serious concern are our friends, even though it may be bad news. It is every man's duty, not only to himself, but also to those dear to him, to know the truth about anything which may menace his and their welfare, in order that he and they may become awakened to the danger and prepare for it accordingly.