The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1908-02-13
Had ONLY HOBSON'S CHOICE
House Naval Committee Could Not
Get Four Battle Ships.
IL Then Decided to Take TwO-Rea-
sons Are Many-R. p. HObsOn
VIII Want Four.

The fact became known yesterday that
the reason why the House Naval Commit
tee cut down the recommendation Of tie
Navy Department for four battle ships,
and authorized only two. was because
notice had been served Informally upon
the committee by the House leaders that
the revenues Of the government would not
warrant so large a building programme
this year as had been asked for.
Il is said that Chairman Tawney. Of the
Committee on Appropriations, made the
statement that II the Naval Committee re-
ported "a bill IN favor Of four battle
ships. that there was grave danger Of
the entire programme being smashed In
the House. and that the best that could
be- hoped for was the authorization Of two
battle ships.
Members of the Appropriations Com
mittee frankly admit that they were much
concerned regarding the revenues for the
coming fiscal year. and when the urgent
deficiency bin was before the House re-
Gently Chairman Tawney served notice
that big reductions must be made IN the
estimates for the naval and military es-
adjustments; in fact he fixed the amount
Of the cut as high as SO 000.o0o
The story has been I'm circulation about
the House that the President intended
10 take a hand in the matter and make
an effort 10 amend the bill as il will be
reported so as 10 provide for four battle
ships. instead OF two. and that there
would be some sort of an inquiry made
20 ascertain why the committee cut the
recommendation for battle ships and
doubled the recommendation for sUbma-
rines
Members Of the committee were indig-
nant at this statement yesterday. and
declared that the situation had been gone
over with the President and that he
fully understood and Endorsed the course
pursued by the committee in both Of
these matters.
II was said fpon behalf Of the commit
tee that the sentiment among the ma
iority Of the members was for four battle
ships. but that they fully understood that
II four were authorized by their bill that
Chairman TaWney and the House leaders
whose especial duty it is TO guard The
! Treasury. would attack the measure and
endanger the authorization Of any battle
ships at this session.
II was also said that the reason why
the number of submarines was doubled
was because Of a confidential statement
which Secretary Metcalf made to the
committee when he was before that body
discussing the subject Of naval increase.
Members Of the committee believe that
rhey have strengthened their position
and brought support TO their measure by
| reducing the recommendation for battle
ships and doubling the recommendation
for submarines. as great pressure had
! been brought 10 bear upon them by Pa
/ ciic Coast members whose constituents
/ are clamoring for torpedo craft to pro-
/ tect their harbors Further than this a
statement by the Secretary Of the Navy
convinced the members Of the committee
of their wisdom in this action.
/ II is expected. however. that there will
/ be a fight on the floor Of the House. led
/ by Representative HObsOn. TO increase
/ the authorization for battle ships from
/ two to four.