Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-03-28
FORACABLE TOPANAMA
SECRETARY TAFT URGES AN AP-
PRoPRIATIoN OF 1927, 900.

Secretary Taft who was before the Sem
ate committee on military affairs today ex-
planning items in the army appropriation
bill, spoke at some length concerning the
necessity for a military cable to Panama
by the way of Key West, Porto Rico and
Guantanamo. Such cable is provided for
In the pending bill by an appropriation of
$e2I.Oo0 Speaking Of the requirements the
Secretary said that for a long time 1t cost
the government 81 cents a word on 18TH
milan messages by the line through Mex
leo and Costa Rica. although the cost now
has been decreased to 25 cents a word
He said that IL the construction of the
canal was left with the War Department
the urgent need would continue for eight
or ten years and probably more. He also
asked that provision for cable ship to be
used in coast defenses. which was struck
out OF the bill by the House. be restored.
Proposed Reduction Of Cavalry.
Senator Scott asked Secretary Taft for
his opinion concerning the wisdom OF re-
ducing the cavalry branch Of the army five
regiments and adding this force to the ar
uiiery. The senator took the position that
II the United States engages in a war its
battles Will be on the defensive and direct
ed against invasion
Secretary Taft opposed the reduction OF
tne cavalry arm on the ground that it re-
CURES TWO years or more to equip and train
thls force He also took issue with Senator
ocott on his statement that this country
would not take the offensive. He said that
every one IN Congress believed in UNFOLDING
the Monroe doctrine, and that the only
dlnerences of opinion We're as to the mean
ing of this doctrine
Senator Pettus said that every one agreed
that the old Monroe doctrine should he en-
forced.
In accepting this definition of his remarks
Secretary Taft said that If the army was
made up on the belief that is was never
going outside the boundaries of the United
States then the Monroe doctrine meant
nothing.
An amendment offered by Senator Lodge
provided that the coastwlse laws OF the
united states shall not apply to trade be-
tween the United States and the Philip
pine Islands until July 1. 1909 was Endorsed
by the secretary. The Senate adopted an
amendment to the shipping bill providing
up In the House, with little chance of pas
sage.
Pay of Army Officers.
Senator Scott called attention to a bill he
introduced early In the session providing
for an increase in the pay of second lieu
tenants, first lieutenants, captains and ma
jors. and asked the secretary If he would
be in favor of that bill.
The secretary said that he did not know
that he would be ready to indorse It at this
time, blu said he agreed that it was diff
cult for these officers to support families
their pay. He said that while there had
been a great deal of rdicule of PROPOSE
ton advanced by Gen. CoEbin to prohibit
officers under the rank Of captain from
marrying. when they had little means, he
thought the suggestion worth considering.
I'm advocating that suggestion. are you
not afraid of running counter of anti-race
suicide doctrine?" asked Senator Black
burn.
When the laughter had subsidized, Secre-
tary Taft said that he thought the non
commissioned officers were the men most
entitled to an increase Of pay. He paid
a glowing tribute TO the 'old sergeant
who teaches the young lieutenants how to
manage men. He said these men should be
encouraged to remain in the army.