The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-01-16
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. J,int R solution Passed Rppro.
prlatng $4,000 for Expenses Of
Exposition at Charleston.
Exposition at Charleston.
(By the Associated Press.)

Washington, Jan. 15.-A 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 naval re-
serve which he introduced. He took
strong ground against the organization
of naval reserve, his comments being
construed by some of the Senators into
reflection upon volunteer soldiers and
land militia.
Half dozen Senator'S were on their
feet in an instant to defend the volun-
teers and the National Guard of the
various States and the debate was also
given wide range, as the Senator'S
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 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 proposition had been made by a
responsible and intelligent builder to
construct lighthouses at points where
government engineers had considered it
impracticable to build light houses. He
thought such a proposition ought to be
treated with respect. 1t was an illus
tration of the marvellous inventive abil-
ity of this nation
a concurrent 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 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, that at the
beginning of 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 war the interest in
the organization ceased and it was found
difficult to maintain them.
States was not likely, as 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 volun-
fcers, called out in an emergency or
upon some form of compulsory service.
IL 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 snarling at another depends
to some extent upon some sort of COM
pulsory military service. England has
learned this lesson from her smallest
and wickedest 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, he said, that naval militia was
not a success. OF course, it could be
maintained in "a lingering, half4hearted
manner" but it never really amounted
to much.
In conclusion he said: "If we haze de-
termined that we are to become a great
war power with a great army and
Sreat navy. no system of volunteering
will answer the purpose
In response to an inquiry from Mr..
Hawley. Mr.. Hale said he did not sup
pose that the United States ever would
dispense absolutely with the militia but
that 1t would continue to be maintained
in half hearted way. In time of war
lie did not think it would be worth
reckoning with.
Several Senator's. among them Mr.
Mason Gllinois). Mr. Teller (Col.) 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 disclaimed any
intention to reflect upon the national
guard
Mr.. Hoar said that while the naval
militia was yet in an experimental
stage, 1t was manifest that in every
Warlike emergency the country must be
protected by trained militia or by a
regular army or by both It had been
proved that the United States ought 10
have 2 good regular army of moderate
strength. supplemented by a strong
militia force.
Mr. Hoar. referring TO the training of
sailors in civil life. said there was
another fact not generally known. Our
Independence in the War of the Reyolu-
tiou had been won at sea. II was not
the ISrnnch aIlianca hat thr r,+a &c