The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1893-12-06
ECONOMY AND THE NEW NAvE
The Psrirg OF Appropriated. Not Liz ely
TO Hinder Construction Of NV Ships.

The Pairing Of Appropriations Not LII ely
| TO Hinder Construction OF New ships.
WASHINGTON. Dec. 5.-Charman Cummings
| OF the House Committee on Naval AEairs is
not inclined to endorse the belief entertain ed
in some quarters that President Cleveland will
or has attempted to oppose Secretary Her
| bert's policy Of continuing the work OF build
ing up the navy by the construction OF new
ships. Since the Presidents message was read
| to Congress yesterday the charge has been
made that Mr.. Cleveland took direct issue with
| tie recommendation made by Secretary Her
bert in his report. and that therefore there Is
| a clash between the President and the Secre-
| tary. In his report Secretary Herbert used
| this languages:
No one can value economy moro highly
than do. and It's practice Is certainly neces-
sary at this time when the Government ex-
penditures are likely to be more than it's re-
ceipts. but the safety OF the country. its honor
and It's dignity. must rise above every other
consideration. and It is respectfully submitted
that the programme Of authorizing the build
ing OF at least some vessels at each session Of
reco mend that the construction Of at least
one battle ship and six toperdo boata be au-
II VIII be- notcaS tbs eSfng
ask Tor any appropriation. but simply wants
the authority granted to him for the construc-
lied now. little money II any could be expend-
ed upon them during the present fiscal year.
a battle ship put it under contract. and provide
the material that not more than one-tenth OF
ICED. would need to be appropriated dur
ilTnSG . the . present session Of Congress.
s re s6s that in
t In1r VII Dr96a6iy be IN copmission hy
Of construction at that date. 1t will be seen.
therefore. that II this Congress should not au-
thnriza ha inn NJ hf,a he
a standstill by the time the vessels now being
The paragraph in the Presidant's message
which. 1t is feared in certain quarters. suggests
G disagreement with the Secretary OF the
While I am, distinctly in favor OF consist
OF mn .9s we 1 9ays
Congress should carefully take into account
and the depleted condition OF our treasury in
considering the propriety OF an appropriation
This. in the opinion OF Chairman Cummings
and other ,riends OF the navy slim
mind. as Secretary Herbert has. the fact
that there are now SO many vessels in course
OF construction that they. must be com pleted
before further appropriations for new vessels
could beIadvantageouslyu used but it is not to
be taken as an intimation that the President Is
for beginning the new vessels recommended
by Secretary Herbert. Chairman Cummings
ouyS' lHuceu. tinI no thlNha inc committee
will carry out the recommendations OF tho
Secretary and with due regard TO the sugges-
tions OF the President. He says further. that
the fact that there are SO many uncom-
peted vessels Is due to the failure OF the
carnegies the bethlehem Iron Works. and
other firms to turn out armor in time Accord
ing to contract; The President says in his
message that this armor ~ now being pro-
duced according to the terms of the Govern
ment contracts 80 that there will be no further
trouble on that score.
What is wanted now. Mr.. Cummings says 10
authority TO build the ships recommended by |
the Secretary and as il will take at least year |
10 begin them after the authority is granted,
the appropriations necessary for their compile
tion would not he needed until the fiscal year |
1895. Mr.. Cummings thinks. therefore, that |
the SecretaIy's recommendation will. be car
ried out and the policy OF building up tina |
navy continued to the satisfaction OF the |
American people.