The farmer and mechanic. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 18??-19??, 1902-01-21
so DECLARES Mr. HALE
Takes Strong Grounds Against Orga
nizing a Naval Reserve.
AROUSES The SENATE TO EXCITEMENT
The Pension Appropriation Bill P assed by The
House. Joint R. solution Passed fp2ro-
priating $4,000 for Expenses of
Exposition at Charleston.
CBy the Associated Press)

10Y Tie -tSSONIdltd ItSSp
Washington, Jan. IA spirited dis
cussion was precipitated in the Senate
today by some remarks submitted by
Mr.. Hale, of Maine, in respect to bills
relating to the formation Of a naval re
serve Which he introduced. He took
strong groun against the organization
of d naval reserve, his comments being
construed by some of the Senator'S into
lane militia.
Half a dozen Senators We're on their
feet in an instant to defend the volun-
teers and the National Guard of the
various States and the debat was also
given a wide range. as the Senators
went back in their references to the days
of the Revolutionary War to seek illus
trations for their arguments. While no
action was possible at this time, it is
likely the discussion upon the measures,
should they be reported, Will be lively.
No business of special Importance was
transacted, the time of the Senate being
consumed by matters of routine.
Mr. Hoar, in presenting a petition
from railroad, insurance and shipping
interests praying for the construction of
light houses in some dangerous places
where lightships are located now, said
that a proposition had been made by a
responsible and intelligent builder to
construct lighthouses at points where
government engineers had considered 1t
impracticable to build light ouses. He
thought such a proposition ought to be
treated With respect. It was an illus
tration of the marvellous inventive abil-
ity of this nation.
\ concurrent resolution was adopted
providing for the printing of 8, 800 copies
of the proceedings of the Schley Court
of Inquiry.
In introducing some bills relating to
the organization and maintenance of a
naval reserve, Mr.. Hale, of Maine, de-
clared that the reliance placed by some
people upon the naval reserve
never would be realized. Expert
ence had shown, he said, tina at the
beginning of q war plenty Of young men
We're ready to enlist in the navy and
enter the ranks OF naval militia, but at
the conclusion Of the war the interest IN
the organization ceased and it was found
difficult to maintain them.
He was of the opinion that the United
States was not likely, as a nation, to
take much interest in the militia forces
either Of the land or of the sea. In time
of stress he was certain that the country
would be obliged to depend UPON voIun-
GERS. called out in an emergency OF
upon some form of compulsory service.
If he said, I've are to become a
great war power We viii have to learn
the lesson other nations have learned.
Every one of the nations Of the world
that stand snaTling at another depends
to some extent upon some sort Of COM
pulsory military service. England has
learned this lesson from her smallest
and NickedeSt war
Mr.. Hale declared that England was
about to resort to conscription to raise
men to fight "a band Of freemen thou
sands of miles away 1t had been
proved, ne said, that naval militia was
not a success. OF course, it could be
maintained in "a lingering, half-hearted
manner" but it never really amounted
to much.
In conclusion he said: IF we have de-
termiHed that we are to become a great
war power. With a great army and a
great navy, no system of volunteering
Will answer the purpose"
In response to an inquiry from Mr..
Hawley, Mr.. Hale said he did not sup
EOSS that IN - Ctdtf> w "oIII
dispense absolutely with the militia, but
that it would continue to be maintained
in a half hearted way. In time Of war.
lie did not think it would be worth
reckoning with.
Several Senators. among them Mr..
Mason Illinois). Mr.. Teller CCol), Mr..
Hoard (Miss.) and Mr.. Bacon (Ga.),
were drawn into the debate in defense
of the militia forces Of the various
States. Mr.. Hale finally disclained any
intention to reflect upon the national
guard.
Mi. Hear said that while the naval
militia was yet in an experimental
stage. it was manifest that in every
warlike emergency the country must be
protected by a trained militia or by a
regular army or by both. 1t had been
proved that the United States ought 10
have a good regular army Of moderate
strength. supplemented by q strong
militia force.
Mr.. Hoar. referring to tho training OF
sailors in civil life. said there vas
another fact not generally known. Our
independence in the War OF the Revolu-
ton had been won at sea. IT VAS not
the French alliance but the rate al
maritime insurance which compelled the
unwilling monarch 70 agf"" 10 peace.
The rate Of insurance on English com
mcrcial ships then was IS per cent in tho
Mediterranean.
After Mr.. Bacon had protested that it
was the valor Of our soldiers and sailors
that enabled tho colonies to gain their
independence. and NOT the rates Of in
surancc on English ships, Mr.. Tillman
insisted that Mr.. Hoar should give some
Of the credit of achieving independence
to other colonies than New England.
Amid laughter and applause he declared
There's glory enough to 70 round. ~
our great Admiral in command at the
battle Of Santiago said.
~ The concluSinn of tho dIScusSIon.