Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1901-11-20

that q state may have at its disposal a
select body of men trained to naval warfare
who In time Of actual war can be relied
upon as defenders Of coast with which
always a considerable number of men hav-
ing taste for naval life. who, while out
side Of the United States navy, are ready
and willing to serve on shipboard when
needed. There are certain advantages
springing from the state pride that win
sustain an organization Of this character,
which advantages ought not lightly to be
put aside Not infrequently conspicuous
examples occur Of state officers who do
creditable work in a service strongly re-
sembling, II not identical with, that upon
a commissioned vessel Of war of the United
States navy.
naval militia have shown of late a lack OF
interest in keeping up the work, the Navy
Department does not hesitate to declare
that the system. substantially as now or
ganized, deserves to be continued. Unfor-
tunately. 1t happens that the facilities OF
the department for putting vessels at the
disposal of the several states are not such
as are desired. The department, however,
stands ready. as heretofore, to do all In its
power to help the state organizations.
whether by arranging a practice cruise or
otherwise
Need of q Naval Reserve.
In chapter regarding the organization
of naval reserve, the assistant secretary
says:
Il have the honor to renew with added
emphasis what was said in my report of
last year as to the need Of a naval reserve.
The subject has now for some time been
before Congress. The present period is un-
usually favorable for legislation to this end.
I am convinced that House bill 1926 of
the last Congress, known as the Foss bill
with slight notifications. Is well adapted
lfoh fln nc,vlk n civ hos
seemed better, as one modification, that
the division should be by districts and not
by states.
: This bill provides for an auxiliary force
to be known as the United States naval
reserve. officers. petty officers and enlist
ed men of the naval militia who served in
the war with Spain. and men enlisted for
not less than one year, who served therein,
and graduates Of the Naval Academy who
have honorably left the service. may be
enrolled under the direction Of the Presi-
dent In the reserve, in the grades and
rates held by them when honorably dis
charged or when they resigned. AS modi-
fled the country Is divided into convenient
districts The Secretary of the Navy may
designate line officer of the navy to as
sumo charge of the reserve force enrolled
In any district.
In brief, the reserve as created shall be
a national establishment knowing nothing
of state lines. 1t Is to be kept prepared,
so that upon breaking out Of war it can
be relied upon to respond instantly to the
call for service. The proposed naval re-
serve, 1t should be borne in mind. will in
no way conflict with or take the place of
the present system Of naval militia. The
two bodies are distinct and are capable Of
being kept up in perfect harmony.
'The naval militia defends the inner
coast line. The naval reserve becomes a
part Of the navy itself. The men of the
reserve will be taken on shipboard. hot as
an organization. but as trained sailors sent
to this or that ship as they shall be want
ed. Let us hope that Congress will proceed
without delay to enact legislation 80 vitality
needed.
while 1t Is likely that some variance
Of opinion may exist as to the details of
legislation best fitted to put into practical
operation a plan for a naval reserve, there
Is but one sentiment. believe. in and out
OF the service. as to the necessity for such
an establishment.
1T is but the simple truth to declare that
there are few duties more pressing upon
the attention Of Congress than that Of pro-
viding the country with some practical
plan OF beginning and maintaining a naval
reserve"