The copper country evening news. [volume] (Calumet, Mich.) 18??-1907, 1896-03-07
REED AS A WATCHDOG.
He Frowns Upon All Sorts Of
Appropriations.
AND OPPOSES THE NAVAL BILL.
But the Friends OF the Measure Are stili
Enthusiastic-They Want More Battle
ships and More Torpedo Boats-Eng-
lands Naval Strength.

Enthusiastic-They Want More Battle
ships and More Torpedo Boats-Eng-
lands Naval Strength.
WASHINGTON. March 7.-[Special. j
Within few days there Will DO spirited
contest In the house over the naval appro-
priation bill. An effort will be made
largely to increase the number of battle
ships provided for in that measure. rs re-
ported by tho committee on naval affairs.
The navy Is very popular in tho house. The
feeling in favor of largo increase OF our
fighting strength Is very great and comes
from all parts of the country. Ii Is rather
surprising TO SEQ representatives from tho
interior Of the Union, few of whose con
stituents ever saw battleship or cruiser,
advocating more ships than some OK the
congressman from the seacOast states are
willing to vote for. With the people OF
the interior the navy has become a sort OF
sentiment. They love to read about the
big warships and TO SEQ their pictures
1t Is the belief of many observers that the
navy is more popular In the Interior thah
1t Is along the seaboard.
We Must Keep Up with the Procession.
A few days ago, while the naval COM
mittee had the bill under consideration
and was earnestly discussing whether
there should DO report In favor OF four
new battleships or six, congressman
from one Of the western states entered the
room. Ho was noted for his devotion to
economy in appropriations, and when he
appeared the members OF tho committee
looked for protest against squandering
the peoples money.
How many new battleships are you
going to recommendf" he asked.
1--WE haven't decided yet" replied O
member of tho committee. "but we think
about flve.'
"That will never do at all, said the
caller warmly. Il can't approve OF that'
1 don't 500 what Is tho matter with you
fellows. r.
"But we must keep up with tho pro-
oession," urged the member OF the com,
mittee. "England has just appropriated
tl10, 900, 900 for new ships, and we mus,
do something OF they will get solar aheao
Of us we won't be In 10 mt all p"
"Tbat Ii Just what j am kinkine
about" said tho visitor. II was Jus'
about to say that II you want my vote you
will have TO recommend % now baltic
ships instead of 81
This Is a fair illustration OF the senti
ment of members. The feeling Is so strong
that determined effort will be made, par
ticipated In by Republicans, too, TO IN
crease tho number OF battleships and tor
pedo boats. Tho chief trouble Is VIII
Speaker Reed. One OF the surprises OF TIM
session Of congress is tho appearance
Mr.. Reed In the role OF watchdog oil tn'
treasury. No one expected IL. some poo
Pile cannot understand IL to this day. An'
yet Mr. Reed has urged small appropria
tions from every committee having any
thing to do with the budget. He has rule'
committee with rod OF iron. -Hc ma
frowned on all sorts Of appropriations tha
are not absolutely necessary for carrying
on the government. In this matter OF IN
crease OF tho navy his influence has bee'