The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1899-03-10
INCREASE IN ENGLAND'S NAVY.
PLANS OF OTHER COUNTRIES WE'RE
STUDIED FIRST.


Estimates Made Under Unique Ctr
cumstances, Says GOschen, In View
of the Coming Peace Conference.
Total Estimates Are over $780,
OOO.OOO-"Thc Embodiment of the
Feeling of Pence-IOvInG Deter
mined Nation"
London. March 9.-In introducing the
navy estimates in the House Of Commons
to-day, the first lord of the admiralty.
the Right Hon. George ]. Goschen. said
never had estimates been submitted under
more unique circumstances. Ahead was
the conference for international disarm-
ament, while behind were the incidents OF
last November, and while a comparison
OF the naval strength of the various coun-
tries was in everybody's mouth. the most
striking confidence was shown In British
preparedness 20 meet all emergencies.
The continental Powers, he said. we're
disturbed, by the allegation that Great
Britain was preparing with a particular
purpose for aggressive action; but, the
minister asserted, the idea never entered
the mind of the government He then
proceeded TO detail the naval programme.
Mr. Goschen said her majesty's govern
ment proposed to make Wei-Hai-Wei (the
war port ON the northern coast OF the
Shan Tung peninsulaD second naval
base, pointing out that it would be a
most valuable anchorage OF the greatest
importance in any operations in Chinese
waters. and adding that it was proposed
o. q II. -
the present year, and 81 10000 next year.
Continuing Mr. Goschen Informed the
House that the personnel Of the navy for
the coming year would be increased by
4,250 men, making a total OF 10000 at
cost OF f7,47lO0O.
Had Studied Other Powers.
Referring to ship building. he said the
coming programme had been framed af-
ter consideration of the programmes of
the other Powers. A study of these pro-
grammes, he pointed out, was not reas-
suring The United States, Russia,
France, Japan Italy and Germany had
under construction 6s5,OOO tons of warships,
or 225.000 tons more than was contem-
plated i'm the present estimates.
This had forced the government to draw
up new programme. Excluding last
years supplemental programme, it provid-
ed for two iron-clads, two armored cruls-
ers and three smaller cruisers OF a spe-
cially high speed
The increase required. therefore, for the
coming fiscal year was $3.50 600. and the to-
tai under the ship-buildng vote includ-
ing the liabilities for last years orig
inal and supplementary programmes.
would be f2,Si70O0. an increase Of over
f2OO0,000. The total estimates were &c.,
594, CO.,
For armament Mr. Goschen asked an
increase OF f16l 600 chiefly for the con-
struction of guns, but also for more am.
munitlon for practice, which, he asserted,
was a matter of enormous Importance, as
shown by the late war.
Speaking OF the necessity for an increas-
ed shipbuldlng vote. he said these were
the votes required by the present situa-
ton.
But" he added, would that the ac-
ton or other nations, resulting from the
coming international conference, could
make It possible for US TO diminish or mod
ify the programme. while of course, MAIN
tanning our standard and relative posi-
ton"
Would Reduce IL others Did.
Mr.. Goschen then announced In behalf
of her maJesty's government that IL the
other great naval Powers were prepared
to diminish their programmes. Great Bri-
tain was prepared to modify hers. But
II the Cars hopes were not realized, the
programme would have to stand, and he
expressed the hope that those who were
proposing 90 attack the country's expeneli-
tire would not attempt to dissuade tho
people from bearing the taxation necessary
TO carry on the duties of the empire.
Mr.. Goschen emphasized the purely de-
fensve objects of the naval increase, but
said that. In view of the construction by
her rivals Of fast cruisers with the avowed
purpose Of preying upon Great Britain's
commerce and Great Britains food supply
in tho event Of war, England was forced
to build five new cruisers particularly
swift, in order to circumvent these
schemes
He also said that the four armored crtiis-
ers now being built under the original pro-
gramne would be the most powerful ships
in the world.
In conclusion the first lord of the admit
rally said the estimates were simply the
embodiment of the feelings of a peace-lov-
ing determined nation" Cheers.
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FrnINsn IN UUnT N nn