The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1902-01-21
THE SUBJECT OF A SPIRITED DEBATE
TN THE SENATE.
SENATOR HALE'S CRITICISMS
On the Naval Reserves and National
Guard of the Country Replied TO
by Several Senator's I'm Defense OF
Our Forces-Senator TIL
man Gets I'm a Remark I'm his Usual
Style-England's Alleged Violation
House Passes General Pension Bill.

Washington, January ia spirited
discussion was precipitated in the SEN
ate today by some remarks submitted
bills relating to the formation of a
naval reserve which he introduced. He
look strong ground against the organi-
zation OF a naval reserve. his comments
being construed by some of the senators
into a reflection upon volunteer SOL
diers and land militia. Hall a dozen
senators were on their feet in an in
slant TO defend the volunteers and the
national guard of the various states.
Senator Hoar. in presenting a petition
from railroad. insurance and shipping
interests praying for the construction
of light houses in some dangerous
places where light ships 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 it impracticable to build
them. He thought such a proposition
ought to be treated with respect. 1t
was an illustration of the marvellous
inventive ability of this nation.
A resolution was adopted
providing for the printing of $500 copies
Of the proceedings of the Schley court
OF inquiry
In introducing some bills relating to
the organizatioh and maintenance of a
naval reserve, Senator Hale, of Maine,
declared that the reliance placed by
some people upon the naval reserve
never would be realized. Experience
hn1 chnrr-p Io roiI Aho% 49, 1~-.-
ming OF a war plenty of young men were
ready to enlist in the navy and enter
the ranks of naval militia, but at the
conclusion of the wa the interest in
the organizations ceased and it was diff
hcult 20 maintain them.
He was of opinion that the United
States was not likely, as a nation to
taxi much interest in the militia forces
either of the land or of the sea. In time
OF stress he was certain that the coun.
try would be obliged to depend upon
volunteers. called out in an emergency
or upon some form of compulsory ser
vice
enato Hale declared that England
was about to resort to CONSUMPTION to
raise men to fight "a band of freemel.
thousands of miles away" 1t had been
proved. he said, that naval militia was
not a success. Of course, it could be
maintained in "a lingering half hearted
but it never really
to much.
In conclusion he said: IF we have de-
termined 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 Sem
ator Hawley, Senator Hale said he did
not suppose that the United States ever
would dispense absolutely with the
militia, but hat it would continue to be
maintained in d half hearted way. In
time of war. he did not think it would
be worth reckoning with.
Several Senator'S, among them Sena-
tors Mason of Illinois. Teller of Colora-
Bacon of Georgia. We're drawn into the
Of the various states
Senator Hale finally disclaimed any
intention to reflect upon the national
guard.
Senator Hoar referring to the train
ing Of sailors in civil life, said there
was another fact not generally known.
Our Independence in the War of the
Revolution had been won at sea. 1t
was rot the French alliance, but the
rate of maritime insurance which COM
PEELED the unwilling monarch to come
to peace. The rate of insurance on
English commercial ships then was %
per cent. in the Mediterranean.
Senate Bacon protested hat it was
the valor of Our soldiers and sailors
that enabled the colonies to gain their
independence n not the rates OF in
surance on English ships.
Senator Tillman insisted that Senator
Hoar should give some of the credit OF
achieving Independence to other colo-