The Washington herald., 1908-03-15
CUT In BATTLE SHIPS
England's Naval Budget May
Sway Congress.
LEADERS WILL FIGHT HARD
Four Big War ships Not Likely TO Be
AuthOrized-NayaI Measures Not to
Carry Any Submarines-Forttfi
tIons To Care for Pacific Islands.
Pearl Harbor Bill 10 Pass.

Englands naval programme for the
coming year is not as extensive as has
been represented by those who are in
sistent that Congress shall authorize at
least four battle ships at this session,
according to information received by Re
publican leaders in tho House
1t has been reported that the British
admiralty had been. or would be. author
lied to build six additional war ships OF
the DreadnoughS type. Adviees received
here are to the effect that England's naval
budget for the year viii be approximately
$35 OO0, ,0O0, smaller amount than has
been appropriated for naval construction
purposes in that country for many years.
One Instead of SIX.
Instead OF six, Britain will build one
big war ship during the coming year.
This fact will be used in the House 10
combat the movement that has been
started to force Uncle Sam 70 provide at
once for four battle ships
There are indications that Congress will
be generous in making appropriations for
the navy and coast defenses. The scan
dal over submarines may result in a
change of programme as 10 the number
of vessels of this character that shall be
provided for in the naval appropriation
bill The House committee decided some
time ago TO authorize the purchase OF
eight submarines
Representative Lilley's charges that the
submarines now on the market are OBJ
solescent has had its effect on the Naval
Committee. The navy bill will in all prob
ability make no provision for submarines
The Notifications bill will be reported
to the House Tomorrow. Last year this
measure carried an appropriation of So
Geo. 900. The estimates Of the Secretary
Of the Navy for fortifications on the Pa
cihc Coast called for an appropriation
approXimating SiO0OO0O0.
Less Than Half.
The bin will authorize expenditures of
less than half of that sum. \ greater
proportion Of the appropriation 10 be
made viii be expended in providing de
lenses on the Pacific Coast. I'm Hawaii
and in the Philippines. Included in these
defenses viii be Two torpedo planters
Another defense measure that will
doubtless be passed at this session Is the
Bates bill. appropriating 100000 for the
/ fortihcations and establishment Of a
naval station at Pearl Harbor. Hawaii
This project has the approval of Presi-
dent Roosevelt.
Politicians mixing in national affairs
were stirred up again last night by the
following statement Of Representative
Lilley:
'Mr. Boutell chairman Of the investi-
eating committed says that I told the
Committee on Rules that I expected 10
prove that large sums of money were
contributed to campaign funds of political
parties in Congressional districts but that
( before the investigating committee l said
that / did not charge corruption Of any
member OF the House
Now il is well known that contribu-
tions 10 campaign funds heretofore have
been the common practice and are not
legally corrupt / do expect 20 prove, II
the committee will give my attorneys an
opportunity 10 do so. that the Electric
Boat Company, through its agents has
contributed TO campaign funds Of both
parties"