Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1902-01-16
57TH CONGRESS.
Spirited Discussion in Senate
Over Naval Reserve.
Senator Hale Makes Plain Statements
and Starts Senators Thinking.
House Will Hold Mckinley Memorial Ex-
ercises. Feb. 27--Pension Bill Passed.

Washington Jan. IA spirited dis
cussion was precipitated in tho Senate.
today. by some remarks submitted by
MI. Hale of Maine, in respect to bills
reIa ting to the formation OF naval
reserve which he introduced. He took
strong ground against the organiza
ton of a naval reserve, his comments
being construed by some of the sena-
tors 10 be reflection upon volunteer
soldiers and land militia. Half Il dozen
senators We're on their feet in an in
slant TO defend the volunteers and the
National Guard of the various states
and the debate took so wide a range
that senators went back in their refer
ences to the days of the Revolutionary
war TO seek illustrations for their ar
guments. While no action was possible
at this time, it is likely the discussion
upon the measures. should they be re-
ported. will be very lively. No bust
ness of special Importance was tran
sacted. the time of the Senate being
consumed by matters of routine.
After the adjournment of the Senate,
Hale said the naval reserve bills intro
duced by him, today, had been pre-
sented by request of persons interested
in such legislation. In the same man.
ner he had introduced bills represent
ing both the navy departments views
and that of individuals or organizations
on the question of a naval reserve. He
personally. however, did not stand
committed to any of them and he ques-
toned whether any satisfactory results
would come from them.
The bill providing for a naval re-
serve, which Senator Hale introduced,
authorizes the creation of a naval re-
serve of not exceeding 10000 men and
GOO officers, the men to receive $50 and
the officers 800 to $500 annually. An
other bill introduced by Senator Hale
authorizes the organization of a naval
reserve from honorably discharged
sailors but does not fix the number.
Hoar. in presenting a petition from
railroad. insurance and shipping inter-
|.ests praying for the construction of
in some dangerous places
where no lightships are now located.
said that a proposition had been made
by a responsible and intelligent build
er to construct lighthouses at points
where government engineers had con-
sidered it impracticable to build light
houses. He thought such a proposition
ought to be treated with respect. 1t
was an illustration Of the marvellous
inventive ability of this nation.
A concurrent resolution was adopted
providing for the printing of $500 copies
of the proceedings of the Schley court
of inquiry.
A spirited discussion. which took
wide range, was precipitated by Hale,
Nc, in respect to the value to the coun-
rty of militia force. He introduced
some bills relating to the organization
and maintenance of a naval reserve
and in doing 50 declared that the re-
lance placed by some people upon the
naval reserve never would be realized.
Experience had shown, he said, that
a. the beginning of war plenty OF
young men were ready to enlist in the
ravy and enter the ranks Of the naval
militia. but at the conclusion of the war
the interest in the organizations ceased
and it was found difficult to maintain
them. He was Of opinion that the Unit
ed States was not likely, as nation.
" tdhe HUGH DlttTcSl III the illiiIlld
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 volunteers. called out in an emcr-
gancy. or upon some form of coinpul-
sorry service. England. he said, had
learned this lesson from her smallest
and wickedest war;
If, he said. I'VE are to become a
great war power we will have to learn
the lesson other nations have learned.
Every one of the nations of the world
that stands Snaring at another de-
pends, to some extent, upon some sort
OF compulsory military service. Hale
declared that England was about to re-
scrt to CONSUMPTION to raise men to |
fight "a band Of freemen thousands of |
miles away
1t had been proved, he said. that ma |
val militia was not success. OF !
course. 1t could be maintained in lin I
gering. half-hearted manner but it |
never really amounted to much" In
conclusion he said: IF we have deter
mined that we are to become a great |
war power. with a great army and |
great navy. no system Of volunteering
will answer the purpose"
In response to an inquiry from Haw-
ley, Hale said he did not suppose that
the United States ever would dispense
absolutely with the militia. It would
continue to be maintained in a half
hearted way. In time of war he did not
think 1t would be worth reckoning with.
Spooner pointed out that the display
made by the National Guard Of yari-
GUS states on Pennsylvania avenue,
Washington. on the occasion of an IN
augural parade. was sufficient evil
dence of the practicabi!ity OF the
militia.
Yes responded Hale. but the loss
Of life on Pennsylvania avenue never
is serious
Continuing, he said what he desired
to impress on the Senate and upon the
Country was that the naval reserve
was and always would be weak ana
meager.
1t is difficult even now, said he, to sc.
cure men enough to man the ships OF
the United States navy and it Is i'm.
possible to maintain the interest in th..
naval reserve.
Several senator's. among them Mason,
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