Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1898-03-11
IF TIMES DARKEN
England Proposes to Have
a Strong Naval Force.
Gar Issues Imperial Ukase for Ex-
pending 9O,O0O,O0O RoubIes.
And England Will Increase Present Estimates
OF f22. $4,000.

London, March l0.-in the House Of
Commons today the first lord of the
admiralty, the Hon. George j. Goshen,
IN presenting the naval estimates,
pointed out that with the outlay on
ma val works, the expenditures amount
cd TO the colossal sum of f25,550,000
which, h explained, was even consid-
cred inadequate in some quarters.
Mr.. Goschen explained that the navy
was in a transitional state. to which
many of the admitted deficiencies were
due, Moreover, he added, the govern
ment was introducing a series Of i'm
proVements. The jubilee displays had
been great, but they had not reached
. the ideal standard
Referring to the Channel squadron,
Mr.. Goschen said it was the most pow
erful ever gathered together, it's duties
being not only to parade the channel
hut also TO engage in offensive opera
tiGns in time Of war.
MIR. Goschen diiated upon the quiet
and transformations increase of the
British fleet in China waters by four
vessels from other foreign stations, as
being an instance of the naval prepa-
rations.
Later, Mr.. Goschen said he hoped the
admiralty would not be too hard press
ed to communicate it's plans, but he
assured the House that in the distri-
button of cruisers, for instance, the ad-
miralty had considered carefully the
protection of every trade and every
food supply route, and he trusted that
If times darkened'' the admiralty
would be found doing its duty
Touching upon the increase in the per-
sonnet Of the navy, Mr.. Goschen said
there was no lack OF recruits for the
navy. In fact he added. only one il.
eight boys were accepted and the supply
Of stokers was also improving.
Mr. Goschen denied that the navy was
undermanned declaring that every vessel
which took part in the jubilee review was
as fully manned as it would be in war
time. He admitted that there was pau
city of officers. but he explained that that
could be easily remedied.
Touching on the building programme
Mir. Goschen said he would defer furnish
ing particulars regarding the proposed
new warships in order TO keep foreigners
IN the dark concerning their plans but
he could say that the battleships and
cruisers would he adapted to the special
circumstances which the past year had
revealed in various parts OF the world.
MI GoSchen then deplored the recent
INDUS trial struggles and appealed for an
increase of pay for the British seamen of
the merchant marine. He said that if
from lalse economy or impossible condi-
tions on either side. British sailors and
ships were ousted by foreigners, then
God help us"
He concluded: IF peace shall again
reign in our centers of industry ana mari
time institutions and if the nation that
calls herself mistress of the sea reasserts
herself by an Increase of merchant sea-
men then the nation may look forward
in confidence that if there be peace il
will he peace with honor hut if war
which God forbid, it must be war crowned
with victory. prolonged cheerne)
Mr.. Alien. Radical advocated greater
enortS ana moved an amendment that
greater provisions be made for manning
Rear Admiral Lord Charles Beresford,
Conservative, seconding the amen lment.
urged a larger reserve of men and sug-
Gested that Great Britain should buy all
the vessels now building in England for
other countries.
The House rejected Mr.. Aliens amend
ment Many members urged an Increase
IN the naval reserve Sir Charles Dixie
Radical, said: Every ole must feel that
the circumstances are such that we might
ilnd ourselves AZ war with a European
power ana That there is some risk that
TWO other European powers might be dis
posed 10 seize the opportunity to make
demands we would be indisposed to COM
ply with. Nevertheless. the present esti-
mates are the estimates of procrastina-
ton and delay. The position of our navy
compared with those of other nations, is
worse than ii was two years ago"
Mr. GoSChen, in general defence of
the estimates. said he thought it would
be better in :; time of crisis to complete
ana organize available vessels and re-
sources than to devote their energies to
building vessels that would not be ready
for three years. The other powers. he
argued would meet with the same diff
cultlcS as themselves. Great Britain was
Still able To send more ships to sea at
short notice than other nations. If there
had been two or three first-class battle
ships for sale in England. he would prob
ably have asked for money to purchase
them, but there was none such for sale
Russia had made great Industrial pro-
SreSS, but the other countries were still
compelled to have recourse to England
the United States or Germany
Mr.. GosChen said he did not think that
even those who had denounced the eSti-
mates as the estimates of procrastina-
ton would suggest that England should
give orders for armor to the United
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