Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1900-11-24

A mighty navy. one which can cope
with that OF any other nation on earth.
save England. is Representative Aston
Gordon Daytonss idea Oh what the coun-
try needs most al present from a defen-
sive standpoint.
II believe. he said. "the United States
should have a navy whose strength should
be at least half thar of England. Other
countries are increasing their naives rapid
ly and the United States cannot afford to
be in the rear OF the procession. We can
afford to spend approximately as much
on the navy as on our army, and with
SIoo 600, 600 per annum 10 expend on the
navy we snou soon have one which
would be source Of pride and gratitca-
ton TO every American. We have but rs
battleshlps. where we would have IS. |
am believer in battleships. Other yes
sells may do for light work and torpedo
boats might catch an enemy occasionally,
but it is on the battleship the main rell-
ance of the country must be placed do
not think we should undertake to force
the construction of the navy beyond the
capacity OF the American shipysrds, as !
of our ships should be constructed at
home; in fact, spending money on the
navy is good way to put it in rculatlon
for all Of it goes to American ship. a ds
or foundries and 10 American workmen.
DR.. Dayton said he thought liberal
appropriation would be made during the
coming session for the construction of
battleships and that from four to six bat
tleshps or cruisers would be authorized,
Our great trouble he continued,
Twill be in finding the officers and men
for the new navy. 1t will not be SO diff
cult to secure the men after the country
becomes aware of the fact that the navy
wants more men, and good men. but we
are in no position to equip our vessels
with officers. | have always favored
Academy educated officers for the navy.
therefore believe the attendance at the
Academy should be increased to a, point
sufficient to insure steady supply OF Of
ficers. am inclined TO favor Rear Ad-
miral Crowninshield's recommendation
that there should, for the next ten years,
be two cadets at Annapolis from each
Congressional district and four from the
state at large. This should relieve the
present situation materially. Ii follows
that | am good friend to the Academy
and wish to see ii improved. My posi-
ton in the matter Of the improvements
for the Naval Academy has never been
understood think it should be equip
ped with adequate buildings and conduct
ed in fitting style. but was and am OPP
posed to proceeding witt, the improve
ments without definite plan with no
limit to cost. That matter was arranged
last session and anticipate no trouble
over it this winter"
Mr.. Dayton thought the sea course for
cadets should be abolished and they
should receive their commissions after
completing their four years course at the
Academy, although, he said. the condi-
tons had been improved as the result of
the comprise of last session by which al
though the sea course was continued, the
cadets were appointed every four years in
stead of every six years, He also believ-
ed the Naval bill this session would be
larger than last session and it would take
the committee all the time at its disposal
to frame it and secure its passage.