New-York tribune., 1903-03-01
FOR BIG BATTLESHIPS.
Naval Construction Board Opposes
the Senate Programme.
rRn rrrnnnApn rn rnr rn1RnNn

Washington, Feb 2S.-Rear Admirals O'Neil,
Bradford and Bowles, all members Of the Naval
Board of Construction, placed themselves
squarely record this afternoon before the
House Committee on Naval Affairs against the
Senate provision for four battleships Of 1900
tons displacement each Their testimony was to
the effect that it would be an absolute impossi-
t.-ity to construct first class battleships for the
price and according to the provisions Of the Sen
ate amendment to the Naval Appropriation
bill Each admiral favored battleships Of $4,000
tons displacement, and declared that three ships
Of this class would be worth more than four
ships built In accordance with the Senate propo-
sition. The battleship Connecticut was held up
as the proper model for the construction of at
least three more battIeships. The Connecticut
is a 5000 ton ship, and her plans have been
most carefully considered and brought up to
date.
Admiral O'Neil, who was the first to testify,
said that there would be great delay, il the
Senate proposition should become law, in the
preparation OF plans in accordance with its pro-
visions. He said that every member OF the
Board Of Construction had gone on record as
against battleships of the lighter weight, and
cited examples that the countries Of Eu
rore had also abandoned the lighter vessels for
the heavier. Admiral Bradford, who followed.
said that the vessels constructed in accordance
in speed, in coal carrying capacity in armor.
and consequently in defensive power: in hat
terry, and consequently in offensive power. They
would be second class in every respect, and not
acceptable to the people Of this country. At
least year would be necessary for the prepara-
ton of the plans FOR this class OF ships.
The appropriation for their completion, he de-
clared, also was too small. AS to lighting quail
tiles he Hkened them to four undersized men
matched against three pugilsts. The new
building programme of the British Navy. he
said, contemplated ships Of 1900 tons displace-
ment Growth in the size of battleships in the
last few years, he said, had not been an acci-
dent. The Connecticut design, he declared, was
as nearly perfect as the art had been able to
reach, and he said that the United States Navy
ought to- have at least six battleships OF this
class.
In the testimony Of Admiral Bradford. the
members OF the committee asked questions as to
who had recommended the 12.OOO-ton ships. The
previous hearings before the committee were
referred to, and it was found that Secretary
Moody had been the only naval officer who
had made such a recommendation.
Chief Constructor Bowles. who was heard
next took up the Senate provision and dis
cussed it in detail. He declared that from
constructors point Of view the requirements TO
be met under the Senate provision were some
thing which II WouId De lTnpoSslple 10 comply
with He said the result produced would not
be a battleship cruiser. 1t would not
have the speed Of the latter or the hgntlng
effciencv of the former. There was only one
thing left discretionary with the designers by
the Senate provision, and that was as to bat
teries and as the appropriation makes it neces-
sary that the work be Sighted in some respects,
it would have to be slighted in reference to the
batteries Such q vessel he said, would cost
at least S., 100000 when completed, and the
cost exclusive of armament and armor, would
be 100000 greater than the Senate had pro-
vided. 1,
Admiral Bowles said in answer to question
that so far as he knew only one or two officers
in the navy advocated building light ships and
these officers had 4lot made the close study OF
the question that the members Of the Construc-
ton Board had. He advocated sticking to one
style of ship until six eight of them had
been completed Improvements in naval con-
struction he said, were increasing every hour:
1t was absolutely impossible to keep abreast OF
them and programme for a certain class OF
ship should be adopted anC held to until fleet
of ships was built: then the improvements which
had been made in the mean time could be en-
bodied in the next design.
The Naval bill has been sent tn conference.
and the testimony taken to-day will undoubted-
ly be printed and submitted to the conferrees
OF the part Of the Senate.