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 PREFACE

of preface to the second edition, the author wishes to make it clear that "America Fallen" was written with the serious purpose of emphasizing the warnings which have been uttered from year to year, both by the Secretary of War and the Secretary of the Navy. These warnings have dwelt upon the insufficiency of our naval and military forces to resist attack by a first-class power; and "America Fallen" was written to embody these facts as to our unpreparedness in the form of a connected, dramatic narrative, which would bring home to the public and its Congress the urgent peril of the present conditions.

Since the publication of the first edition, the work has received the strong endorsement of naval and military men. From the many letters received the two following have been selected for publication:

Office of THE ADMIRAL OF THE NAVY WASHINGTON

June 23, 1915.

My dear Mr. Walker:

I have read your excellent book, "America Fallen" with a great deal of interest, but I cannot say with pleasure, as it describes a state of affairs which might well exist if our