The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-03-27

docks were enough. Let the secretary To-
cate them. This was nc time for locality, ii
was the time for efficiency. Personally he
discIaimed any interest in any locality but
begged the gentlemen to remember that a
dry dock necessarily meant naval yard,
and because he believed this was no time to
establish new naval stations he gave notice
that he would make a point of order against
the. proposed steel dry dock AZ Algiers La,
desiraDility of locating dock at Calves
tom Tex. He was opposed, he declared, to
any attempt to foist upon the House, under
could not stand on its merits When he
touched the increases of the navy he sug-
gested that the battle ships could not be
placed in commission in thiTty-e ght months.
The small torpedo boats might, on the
other hand. be completed before the war,
If war it was 10 be, was over.
Mr. Boutelle said he would vote for any
increase in the number of torpedo boats
Mr. Cannon might suggest.
Il suggest then that you strike out two
of the battle ships and insert the equivalent
in small boats" (Apnlause.)
Strike down the fighting line and increase
the mosquito fleet" observed Mr.. Boutelle,
amid laughter.
"A THANKLESS JOB"
Mr.. Cannon said he realized that It
was thankless job while the patriotic heart
of the country was stirred to criticise any
thing labeled national defense" But he
had duty to perform, and he would dis
charge it. The utility of the modern battle
ship had not been demonstrated. He hal
been greatly interested in the discussion of
the respective merits of the expensive battle
ship and the relatively inexpensive monitor.
He would like to see these great engines of
war tested before he voted to expend $15,0C0-
900. (Applause.) Much better at this time
to build or buy small torpedo boats which
would be in service in three or six months.
Mr.. Boutelle interrupted to declare that
it was our niggardly policy with regard to
the navy which to-day forced US to ransack
Europe to find vessels with which to meet
the aggressor. IF we are going to fight the
world we must meet the equipment of the
world Ferryboats and tugboats will not
perform the service they did in 1876.
(Applause.)
Mr. Hilborn (Rep, CALI member of
fact that we had secured the earth, but not
a battle ship in the world was for sale.
Mr.. Cannon asked Mr.. Boutelle to say
tie ships should be authorized, and the lat
ter created great outburst of enthusiasm
in the galleries by declaring that if he could
have his way he would authorize six battle
ships instead OF three.
In concluding Mr.. Cannon said he had lit
tie hope that his amendment would carry.
But he wanted to impress upon the mem
bers of the House that they should be
ready to vote every dollar necessary, but
this was not the time for recklessness. ne
appealed to the members to meet the situa-
ton with loyal hearts and cool heads"
(Applause)
Mr. Dayton expressed his surprise that
the Republican leader who had come before
the House with the emergency appropria-
tions should now seek to thwart a policy
tina, would make every American proud of
Mr. Robbins (Rep., PAD moved to strike
out the provision for a dry dock at Ports
as was that Of Mr.. CannOn-7S to 107 Then,
at o'clock, the House adjourned.