The Washington herald., 1908-04-25

On HERALD, SATURDAY,
White. an English naval authority. to this
effect, Senator Beveridge asked why, II
Sir Williams opinion was Of such imper-
tance. England was building 20O00 ton
ships instead of smaller ones. He con-
tended that one Dreadnought would be
more than a match for four oregons.
Hale Poor Prophet.
Senator Beveridge recalled that Senator
Hale had a month before the Spanish war
predicted that it would not come. and had
also predicted that Russia and Japan
would not fight. He contended for four
battle ships as a certain guarantee Of
peace, but at the same time pointed out
I Instances in our history when war had
come upon us without warning He said
that If there could be a full and free
discussion Of the possibilities of war with
"A certain power" the attitude Of Con-
gress toward increasing the navy greatly
at this time would change.
This statement created something of d
sensation. Mr. Beveridge sent to the
clerks desk and had read from copy OF
AlA w aie4tliAE hbl I1EA dll All EAfE at rum
a speech Of Associate Justice Harlan, OF
the Supreme Court. before the Army and
Navy Union banquet in Washington, Ia
which he predicted a conflict between the
white and the yellow races and advocated
the expenditure of S50,0o0O0O year addi-
tional on the navy.
That is not the statement of a lingo,
said Mr. Beverfdge. 1T is the well-con-
sidered and 0ft-repeated opinion OF n
conservative man, himself a soldier OF the
civil war"
Recalls PrOctor's Speech.
The reading brought Senator Smith. Of
Michigan. to his feet
Il should Ike to suggest TO the Senator
from Indiana, he said that the con-
servative author of that article is no
more conservative than was the distin-
gulshed Senator from Vermont Cthe late
Redfeld PROCTOR whose utterances upon
this floor Just preceding the Spanish war
in my judgment, did more to bring on that
war than anything that took place in the
country that year. / remember very well
/ his remarkable speech, without any at
tempt at oratory or establishment. IN
which he related a tale IN this chamber
which Il was my pleasure to hear That
simple. plain story Of the actual condi-
tion which existed in Cuba really pro-
yoked our controversy. To the honor Of
his memory be It said that he spoke truth
fully, fairly, and justly.
Il dissent wholly from the idea that
war IS at al imminent. 1 DO not see a
single war cloud
Il do not think so, either" interrupted
Mr.. Beveridge. MY argument has been
upon the contrary"
No Danger of Conflict.
Il do not see a single cloud in the
worlds horizon that menacey our peace
or our good order" MI Smith continued.
4 could not justify my vote in favor Of
the amendment Of the Senator from
Washington upon any theory that we are
near war. or that it is at all remotely
possible. But I will base my vote-if
shall vote for this amendment-upon the
idea that the President OF the United
States, who has the direction OF our dip
lomatic affairs in his hands, has asked
that It be done, and It is just possible that
the President may desire this done in or
der 10 aid in the accomplishment Of some
diplomatic advantage 10 our country
with which We are not familiar. and, per-
haps. about which We have no right TO
inquire"
In the course OF his speech Mr.. Bever-
idge referred to the late William Z. Whit
ney as the author Of the beginning OF
the new navy" Senator Lodge corrected
AIr. Beveridge by the statement that ex-
Senator William z. Chandler was the
father Of the new navy. Senator Nc
Creary volunteered the statement that
the first battle ship was built under the
administration Of Mr. Whitney
Beveridge and Lodge Clash.
When the Indiana Senator attempted
10 make comparisons between construc-
ton work in the United states navy and
that in other countries. Mr. Lodge ex-
pressed some curiosity in regard to the
figures. Mr. Beveridge suggested that
the Massachusetts, Senator was "insinu-
ating" that his statements were not cor
rect.
I am not insinuating anything" re-
torted Mr.. Lodge. I want the facts
We'll. just wait and I viii give them
to you" replied Mr.. Beveridge with some
warmth.
Mr. Aldrich inquired Of Mr.. Beveridge
how many ships he thought should be
authorized. THE Senator is giving us
the benefit Of the Executive opinion"
said Mr.. Aldrich- Il feel an equal re-
sponsibility with the Executive in this
matter Mr.. Beveridge answered that
If he had his way he would build FIVE
battle ships this year.
Threatens Peoples Wrath.
In conclusion. Mr. Beveridge read with
great solemnity the Presidents message
recommending four ships. Does any
Senator think he made that request
Hghtly?" he asked He declared that the
President was the greatest peacemaker
on earth
Senators may smile now" he added,
but they will not smile II war comes
and they have to meet the requirements
OF an outraged people to give an account
ing"