New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-02-09
PLEA FOR KAISER'S NAVY.
THE MEASURE TAKEN UP IN THE REICHS-
TAG-sPEECHEs FOR AND AGAINST IT.

G-sPEECHEs FOR AND AGAINST IT.
Berlin. Feb. S.-The first reading of the Naval bill
took place in the Reichstag to-day. The House and
galleries were crowded. The Secretary of the Ad-
miralty. Admiral Tirpitz: the Secretary of the In
terror, Count Won Posadowsky-Wehner and the
Secretary of the Treasury. Baron Won Thielman.
were present. Photographic apparatus
spicuous in the gallery for the purpose of reproduce
ing the historic scene
Admiral Tirptz in introducing the bill, said the
historical events OF the last years had spoken
in such clear language that the necessity for a
strong feet for Germany had been recognized in
widening circles in the country. The discrep-
ancy between Germany's naval power and that OF
other countries was great that the Federal Gov
eminent saw therein distinct danger If allowed to
continue. Indeed the danger appeared all the
greater the commercial competition of the world.
according to all calculations woulu become
severe during the next decade Any desiring to
examine the question of the navy must clearly n
derstand that it is impossible &c improvise navies
On the contrary. many years required for their
establishment. Least of all is 1t possible to impro
wise navies in the hour of danger. With this fact.
he added. Germany will have to reckon.
The creation of navies the Secretary Of the Adj
mfralty continued. not only presents difficulties of
financial order but above all. is question of
teriaL Ships and their crews, squadrons and their
commanders. cannot be conjured up with stamp
of the foot but with the accompanying dock
yards and harbor works accessory thereto, they
need long preparation. When a clear idea has been
formed regarding the increase of the fleet itself the
question will be how should ii be effected? He
recently had the opportunity TO point out to the
House that Germany cannot know what adver-
saries she may day have to deal with and II
was therefore necessary to adopt the principle OF
providing the dangerous opponent The
most dangerous war for Germany to be in would be
one In which her army could not be used at the
outbreak In such a war Germany would require
solely a strong fleet.
IF Germany developed her fleet" the Admiral
continued, her battleships would have to be sent
to the bottom by enemy before blockade.
even an attack, her coast would be possible.
During a war 1t would be difficult to protect our
merchantmen the high Therefore. such
must be altogether prevented by a strong fleet.
LAS regards the number of ships constitute a
fleet, we have adopted the maximum number pos
sible to q one man command, and there would still
remain the question 10 whether the proposed
doubling of the navy is sufficient. and to
whether the dangers existing at the present time
removed considerably reduced by the bill.
We prefer to leave that question for discussion IN
the number OF ships foreign service is generally
admitted The cost to 1920 is calculated 800 0O0 900
marks. 100000 marks annually. At a moment
when about to effect considerable increase
in the fleet il appears inexpedent to break with
the loan system. Unless fixed, immovable loan is
determined upon further difficulties will arise in the
navy itself with our present hand to mouth way OF
trated with the sense of the necessity of the bin
that they have declared 1t impossible to wait any
longer. We hope the House will convince itself OF
of approval from the Right. mingled with laughter
Just before Admiral Tirpitz concluded his re-
marks the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Count Won
Buelow, and the Minister of War General Won
DR.. Schneider declared the members of the Centre
added that the revenues of the country reced-
ing and that the programme could not be carried
10 10000 600 marks were raised DR.. Schaedler con-
spectre of the dissolution Of the Reichstag s' the
Herr Won Levetzow the Clerical leader. said
sfia' majority OF the conservatives favored the
Herr Frohme. Social Democrat declared his party
was strongly opposed to the bill.
Herr Bassermann said he thought the Spanish
The ana .ne scum AIrea9 Wars had in
Navy act Of 1895 was insufficient for the present
STA, France and Great Britain had forced Germany
The Government left no doubt that a rejection
OF the bill would mean dissolution Nevertheless
pected and it now seems probable t Gseh the the
Reichstag will curtail the Government demands
out unexpectedly strong against granting all that
Of By eep whcs IS hourly hs the
be heavy blow to the Government. as he had
been relied upon to support the plan IN its entirety
The newspapers devote elaborate editorials 10 the
question OF naval augmentation. The 'Neueste
to do his duty
sSE .6 o the fess TO OF
iutons proposed on the ground that they referred
increasing the navy He declared that the Behavior
or the Americans at Manila was to be explained by
Germany had sent relatively strong naa tas5
would necessarily hinder the American military
The new armored cruiser Fuerst Bismarck 10 be
paced IN the service April IS the first ship Of the
being or lO,650 tons displacement. She has three
of end Is Capable o. nn nSsste9 hn SSse
GERALD BALFoUR CRITICALLY Ill.,