The herald., 1896-12-16
Considers the Needs of the
French Navy
NOT EQUAL TO ENGLAND'S
But Is Able to Defend the Nation.
Dignity
NJ Lockroy Wants No Repetition of the
Foolishness of 1870 and Wants
Bigger Navy.
Associated Press Special Wire

Associated Press Special Wire
PARIS, Dec. 15.-The discussion of the
naval budget was continued today in the
chamber of deputies. M. j. De Kerjegu,
the reporter of the budget, representing
Finisterre said that material progress
in the construction of vessels had been
made, the delays in building them had
been reduced and the tendency, he add
ed, was in the direction of building no
mogeneous groups in different classes.
A general reorganization was necessary
and the naval committee regretted that
in view of increased strength the fleets
of the dreibund and of England, the
French naval votes had been reduced to
79000,0 900 francs. 1t was impossible, he
continued, to equal England in the num-
Der of ships, but the French fleet ought
to be of special character to enable it to
defend French independence and dig
nifty everywhere.
The minister of marine, Admiral Ber-
nard. replied that the government in
tended to increase the number ofvesseis
attached to the channel squadron, If
they obtained the necessary money.
Continuing, the admiral said that the
government also intended to reinforce
the Mediterranean squadron by several
first class ironclads and to renew many
of the torpedo boats.
In closing, 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 an inferior government, he
would shortly submit bill to increase
the strength of the navy. The general
discussion of the naval budget was then
closed.
M Lockroy's motion that the govern
ment spend zoe, 900, 900 francs, distributed
over four years. on the navy, was OPP
posed by Admiral Bernard and M. Me-
line, the premier, and was rejected by
vote of 1855 to 49,
During the course of long speech
M. Lockroy declared that the govern
ment opposed his motion because it en-
anated from a private member. He did
not wish to provoke q cabinet crisis, and
would withdraw his motion If the gov
ernment would promise to present 1t as
a bill.
The government, he added, was wrong
to repose faith in the optimistic reports
of it's officers. He maintained that the
fleet was not in an effective condition
and concluded: 1--WE are cursed with
the men who declared war in 1870 with
out being ready, and I am not willing
that some day it may be said that l
was cognizant of the present condition
of the navy and remained silent"
M Meline promised to submit the
naval program at the beginning of 1897,
and M. Lockroy insisted that the gov
ernment should devote part of the mon
ey to refitting ships. The premier said
this was already done according to the
needs of the navy.
Thereupon M. Lockroy interrupted the
speaker and M. Meline retorted sharp
ly: Il shall say nothing to win your con-
fidence The house knows that behind
your insistence is a political question"
(Cheers.)
In conclusion M. Meline condemned
the partial criticisms of the navy, and
asserted there was danger in pessimism
The vote as already cabled Immediately
followed, and the house adjourned for
the day.
The appeal court has affirmed the SEN
terce of two years Imprisonment upon
Emil Arton for bribery in connection
with the Panama scandal.
Philippe Eugene Cuissart radical dep
rty for the first division of Laen is dead
He had devoted special attention to
educational matters.