The Wichita daily eagle., 1896-12-16
IN THE FRENCH DEPUTIES
Discussion of the Naval Budget Still Con-
tinues.

Paris. Dec. 15.-The discussion Of the
naval budget was continued today in
the chamber of deputies. NJ. j. de ker-
jegu, the reporter Of the budget, repre-
senting Finisterre, said that materlai
progress in the construction OF vessels
had been made, that delays in building
them had been reduced and the tend
ency, he added, was in the direction of
building homogeneous groups in differ
ent classes. A general reorganization,
however, was necessary and the naval
committee regretted that in view OF the
increase in the strength OF the meets OF
the Dreibund and of England, the
French naval votes had been reduced to
79, ,0o0, 900 francs. 1t was Impossible, ne
continued, to equal England in the num-
Der of ships, but the French fleet ought
to be of special character, to enable 81
to defend French independence and dig
nifty everywhere.
NJ. Lockroy, one of the deputies from
the Seine, urged that the whole oganiza-
ton of the navy needed reform, and that
the fleet, dock yards and administration
ought each TO be under separate control
The minister Of marine, Admiral Bern
ard, replied that the government intend
ed TO increase the number OF vessels at
tached TO the Channel squadron, II they
obtained the necessary money Contln-
uing. the admiral stated that the govern
ment also intended TO reinforce the Med
iterranean squadron by several first
class WarshipS and to renew many or the
torpedo boats.
In conclusion the minister OF marine
pointed to the fact that the German fleet
was being considerably increased and
that in order to prevent France from
falling into inferiority the government
would shortly submit bill TO increase
the strength of the navy.
The general discussion OF the naval
budget was then closed.
NJ. Lockory's motion that the govern
ment expend POO, 900, 900 francs, distrib-
uted over four years, on the navy, was
ordered by Admiral Bernard and NJ.
Meline, the premier, and was rejected by
vote of 335 to 73.
During the course Of long speech NJ.
Lockory declared that the government
opposed the motion because il emanatei
from private member. He did not wish
to provoke cabinet crisis and would
withdraw his motion il the government
would promise to present ii as a bill. The
government, he added, was wrong IN
reposing faith in the optimistic reports
of its officials. He maintained that the
fleet was not in an effective condition
and Concluded:
1--WE are cursed will, the men who de-
clared war in 1870 without being ready,
and 1 am not willing that some day it
may be said that 1 was cognizant of the
present condition Of the navy and re-
NAMED SILENT
NJ Meline promised to submit the
naval program at the beginning OF 1927
and VI. Lockroy insisted that the gov
ernment should devote part Of the money
to warships.
The minister said It had already beer
done. Thereupop VI. Lockroy interrupt
ed the speaker +nd VI. Meline retortei
sharply: 81 shall say nothing to win
your confidence. The house knows that,
hidden behind your insistence, is . polit-
ical question" (Cheers)
In conclusion VI. Meline condemned The
partial criticisms OF the navy and as
serted that there was danger II yess,-
mism.
The vote. as already cabied. imme-
diatsly followed and the house adjourn
ed for the day.