New-York tribune., 1908-04-11
NAVAL BILL IN HOUSE
MEN And SHIPS PRAISED
Discussion of Presidents -Four Bat
tLeShp Programme.
From The Tribune Bureau. !


washington. April l0.-The American navy 70
c,ved high praise from many quarters in general
debate in the House to-day. Representative Foss
chairman of the Naval Affairs Committee de-
cIsred il be the finest collection Of fighting men
and machines in The world. and his sentiments
vere echoed by many other members both Demo
Gratis and Republicans. The fight on the Presidents
naval programme OF four hattleships bepan whom
Representative Padgett. of Tennessee the ranking
minority member OF the committee attacked the
theory that more than two battleships are neces
,srv and defended the authorizations made bv the
committee. Later in the afternoon the other side
Of the question was presented by Represent atives
Favrot. Of Louisiana. and Mckinlay and knowland
of California. who declared their intention of voting
for increase in the appropriations Representa-
tive Hohson is confident that the Presidents ideas
vii be carried out. and he says that he has ALREADY,
obtsined enough votes 10 pass amendment to the
appropriation bill which he will present on Monday
He sRys that about half the Democrats are in favor
Of the enlarged programme, while all the coast
Republicans and the administration members will
also vote for IL
In the opinion OF Mr.. Foss based on inforrna- jor
from the Navy Departn nent. there is to-day in
the service petter class OF men than ever before
Desertions he said were growing fewer every wear
As regarded aliens in the service he said tho
number was decreasing each year. The marksman
ship Of the men. Mr. Foss declared had constantly,
improved, and. referring to the recent target rrac
tice OF the hattieship feet at Magdalena Rsv he
said that Il he were 10 divuge the confidential re-
ports the records would be shown 10 be be+ter ,ba
those Of sny other navy in the world
Mr.. Foss said the pay Of oficars and mo-, z,,,,,s
be increased The new navy which dates from tho
Spanish he said. had cost 10 date 81 "a 81 an
Of which Sse. 10000 had gone into ships while the
remainder had gone to the maintenance NJ tho
naval establishment. Referring TO the racar. baar
fngs regarding criticisms Of batteship construction
M Foss declared that American warshins vrara
honestly and properly constructed and coronarod
u1fh Ssa1e
ac'eTzea Rear Admiral Converse as our greatest
living naval authority
Defending the Naval Committee against cri,i-
cisn because IL had not authorized a larger nro
sTaTnrne, MI Padgett declared the committee had
taken stand against extravagance Ne be1io,a5
IT'S action had been conservative He couls not
ne said inoorse the idea that because the country
was rich its wealth should be expended sir,rl, fo-
rhe SAKE OF keeping men employed That was 2
doctrine OF paternalis1n which he did NOT beTie,.a
Congress was prepared 10 adopt He charged the
newspapers with having been industrious in en-
oeaVoTing 10 mould public sentiment TO get h4-
hind the committee and the country to urge rs
beyond conservative action
4 reference 70 Mr.. Lilleys charge that the com
mlitee had been influenced was made hy Mr.
Henry, Of Connecticut who inquired how the com
nltiee could have been conservative in cutting IN
hsif the departments recommendation for hattie
shlps and doubling the number of submarines
NJ Padgett replied that the increase in sub
marines involved only $3.50 GOO whereas one battle
'I'f H'Aiu t'sA @4N-etJfFJ i he President, he said
had called attention TO the deficiency in and lack
of submarines The Secretary Of the NAVY had
emphasized the necessity for more submarines and
II Vas made clear that Of those vessels should
ne distributed along the coasts Personally ne
said he voted against the whole submarine propo-
sitlon. not because there was anything wrong -
hut because there were limitations placed on the
purchase
Mr.. Padgett declared that the American people
were not mad on the subject OF navy increase He
called attention to the shortage Of officers and men
and insisted that for that reason alone Congress
should not rush pell nell into the construction Of
ships.
Economy in naval construction was vigorously
opposed by Mr.. Favrot The United States he de-
csred, had obligations in various parts OF the
world which il could not repudiate War was
likely 10 be forced on the country any time and
naval strength should be sufficient guarantee the
fullest protection.
Mr Bartholdt opposed any enlargement Of the
naval programme He believed in the peaceful ad-
5udcstion By arbitration Of all questions Of dispute
Re said.
Many other speeches were made under the order
of general debate. but they other subjects
NJ. Webb, of North Carolina, favored the regula-
zion Of interstate traffic in intoxicating liquors: Mr.
Perkins Of New York. desired free wood pulp:
NJ Kurstermsnn. Of Wisconsin. emphasized the
necessity for better American legation buildings
abroad. and Mr- Aiken. Of South Carolina. urged
refund of the cotton
Consideration Of the naval bill had not been
unul Il 30 tomorrow.