New-York tribune., 1902-01-16
Mr.. HALE STARTS A FIGHT.
LIVELY DEBATE IN THE SENATE ON
NAVAL, RESERVE BILLS

Washington Jan ia spirited discussion was
precpitated in the Senate to-day by some remarks
submitted by Mr. Hale of Maine in respect to biis
relating to the formation OF naval reserve whch
he introduced. He took strong ground against the
organization of a naval reserve MS comments oelhs
construed by some Senators into reflection on
volunteer soldiers and militia. Hair dozen sena-
tors were on their feet In an instant 10 delend the
volunteers and the National Guards or the various
States and the debate took so wide range that
SENATORS yant hack in their references to the days
of the Revolutionary War to seek illustrations for
their arguments. While no action was possiole at
this time II is likely that the discussion on the os
should they be reported. will be extremely lively
No business of especial importance was transacted
the time of the Senate being occupied with routine
matters.
Mr. Hale declared that the reliance placed by
some people on the Naval Reserve never would be
realized Experience had shown. he said. that at
the beginning of a war plenty OF young men were
ready to enlist in navy and enter the ranks OF
naval militia but at the close of the war interest
in the organizations ceased. and It was found dif-
fcuIt 10 maintain them. He was OF opinion that
the United States not likely as nation TO
take much interest in the militia forces. either OF
the land or the sea. In time OF stress ne was Ger
tain that the country would he obliged to depend
on volunteers. called out in an emergency, or on
form OF compulsory service. England. he
said had learned this lesson from her smallest
and wickedest war. IT, he continued, we are TO
become a great power. will have 10 learn
the lesson other nations nave learned Every ohc
OF the nations Of the world that stands snarng at
another depends to some extent upon some sort OF
compulsory military service"
Mr.. Hale declared that England was about TO
resort to conscriptiol raise men TO fight "a band
OF freemen thousands of miles away" 1t had been
proved he said. that naval militia was not sue
cess OF course. it could be maintained in "a lin
gering, half hearted manner" but II never really
amounted to much In conclusion he said; III we
have determined that are to become great
war power. with a great army and great navy. no
system of volunteering will answer the purpose
In response inquiry from Mr.. Hawley. Mr. y
Hale said he did suppose that the United States
would dispense absolutely with the militia. II
would continue to be maintained in half hearted
way In time Of he did not think 1t would be
worth reckoning with.
Mr.. Spooner pointed out that the display made
by the National Guards OF various States Penn
sylvania-av in Washington on the occasion of an
inaugural parade a sufficient evidence of the
practicability OF the militia
Yes" replied Mr.. Hale but the loss of life
Pennsylvania ave. never is serious Continuing,
he said that what he desired 70 impress upon the
Senate and upon the country was that the Naval
Reserve was and always would be weak and mea-
gre. 1t is difficult now. said he. to secure
men enough to man the ships of the United States
Navy and It is mrossible to maintain the interest
Teller. Mr. Hoap and Mr. Ba ton. were drawn into
the debate in defence Of the militia forces of the
states Mr.. Hale finally dis:laimng any intention
Mr.. Hoar said that while the naval militia was
yet in experimental stage. II manifest that
in every warlike emergency the country must be
protected by trained militia or by regular army;
or by both 1t had been proved that the United
States ought to have n good regular army OF mod
crate strength, supplemented by strong militia
force Mr.. Hoar referring to the training OF sail
generally known. Independence IN the War of the
Revolution had been at England could
have continued for hundred years, If necessary.
the land war Of the Revolution, because she was
ance but the of maritime insurance. which
compelled the unwilling monarch to make peace.
The sailors Of New-England and other maritime
States the battle. The rate of insurance on
English commercial ships then was 2S per cent In
the Mediterranean. II the shipowners Of
Bristol who the battle by prtvateers, and not
the navy.
after Mr. Bacon had protested that 1t the
onies to gain their independence and not the rates
Of insurance English ships Mr.. Tillman IN
sisted that Mr.. Hoar should give some OF the credit
OF achieving independence TO other colonies than
declared There's glory enough go around, as
our great admiral in mnand at the battle OF
Santiago said"
The bin which Senator Male introduced author
ceed twenty thousand men and six hundred officers,
the men receive $50 and the officers from 800
800 a year Another bill introduced by Mr.. Hale
authorizes the organization OF a naval reserve from
honora bly, discharged sailors but does not fix the
number.
After the adjournment of the Senate Mr.. Hale
said the bills introduced by him had been presented
request persons interested in such legislation
senting both the Navy Departments views and
those Of individuals organizations on the ques-
tion of a naval reserve. He personally. however.
did not stand committed TO any OF them, and he
come from them.