New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-03-10
BRITAIN'S GREAT NAVY.
MR.. GOSCHEN EXPLAINS THE INCREASE
IN THE YEARS ESTIMATES.
FORCED BY RIVAL POWERS INTO VAST
EXPENDITURE. BUT HOPING FOR RE-
LIEF FROM THE CZARs CONFERENCE.

EXPENDITURE, But HOPING FOR RE-
LIEF FROM THE CARS CONFERENCE.
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 that never had esti-
mates been submitted under more unique cir
cumstances. Ahead was the conference for
International disarmament. while behind were
the Incidents of last November. and when
comparison OF the naval strength of the various
countries was in everybody's mouth the most
striking confidence shown in British pre-
paredness to meet all emergencies.
The Continental Powers. he further said. were
disturbed by the allegation that Great Britain
was preparing with a particular purpose for az
eressive action. but. the Minister asserted. the
idea never entered the mind OF the Government.
He then proceeded 70 detail the naval pro-
gramme.
WEI-HAI-WEI a NAVAL BASE.
Mr. Goschen said Her Majestys Government
proposed to make Wei-Hai-We the warport
on the northern coast Of the Shan TunG Pen
insula) a secondary naval base pointing out
that II would he most valuable anchorage. and
Of the greatest importance In any operations IN
Chinese waters. and adding that It proposed
the present year and n 10000 next year.
Continuing the First Lord Of the Admiralty
Informed the House that the personnel Of the
navy for the coming year would he increased by
4 $50 men, making a total Of 110.64O. at a cost
Of f74740OO Comparing the pay Of the per
sonnel Mr. Goschen said that while Great
Britain paid f7OOOO0O and France f3.OO000O
Russia only paid ff45. 900 He could not under
stand how that was but that was all the esti-
mates revealed.
Referring to shipbullding he said the coming
programme had been framed after consideration
Of the programmes Of the other Powers. A
study Of these programmes he pointed out, was
not reassuring. The United States, Russia.
France, Japan. Italy and Germany had under
construction 6S5, 600 tons OF warships or 22o.OOo
tons more than contemplated In the pres
ent estimates. Therefore. this had forced the
Government to draw up a new programme.
Excluding last years supplemental programme.
II provided for two ironclads. two armored
cruisers and three smaller cruisers Of a specially
high speed. The money required, therefore, Tor
the coming financial year was $4,000, and the
total under the shipbuildlng vote. including the
liabilities for last years original and supple
mentary programmes. would be f12,S17.0OO. an
increase Of over f2OO0000. The total estimates
were f26 594. 900 (S132 7700 000).
MORE AMMUNITION FOR PRACTICE.
For armament Mr. Goschen asked an increase
Of f161 OOO chiefly for the construction Of guns
but also for more ammunition for practice,
which, he asserted. a matter OF enormous
Importance, as shown by the late war.
After speaking Of the necessity for an In
creased shipbuilding vote he said these were the
votes required by the pre- sent situation.
But" he added. would that the action Of
other nations, resulting from the coming inter
national conference, could make 1t possible for
us 10 diminish or modify the programme while
Of course. maintaining our standard and rela-
tive position"
Mr. Goschen then announced in behalf Of Her
| Naiesty's Government that II the other great
naval Powers were prepared to diminish their
programmes Great Britain was prepared to
modify hers But II the Cars hopes were not
realized. the programme would have 70 stand,
and he CAIr Goschen) expressed the hope that
| those who were proposing to attack the coun-
trv's expenditure would not attempt to dissuade
the people from bearing the taxation necessary
! 10 carry on the duties of the Empire
In conclusion the First Lord Of the Admiralty
said the estimates were simply the embodiment
Of the feelings Of peace-loving, determined
nation" (Chcers)
Mr Goschen emphasized the purely defensive
! objects of the naval increase, but said that III
view of the construction by her rivals OF laSt
cruisers. with the avowed purpose OF pTeyihg
upon British commerce and Great Britain $ io'd
supply in the event Of war England was force"
70 build five new cruisers. particularly swift. In
order 10 circumvent these schemes. He also
said that the four armored cruisers now being
nunt under the original programme would be
the most powerful ships in the world.