The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1908-12-11

arms for the model 1898 arms now used
in the navy are suggested
The sum Of Sl35.00O is asked for the
completion of the crypt at the Naval
Academy IN which lie the ashes Of
JOhi Paul Jones.
In relation TO the subject OF new
ranks, the report says:
Changes in Ranks
In our present naval organization a
gap exists between the rank OF rear ad-
miral and that OF admiral. ana, there
fore, the rear admirals on the active list
must necessarily be assigned TO the
command Of the feet. Under these con
ditions, this officer finds himself at al
most every port Of call in an unreason-
able position of subordination TO foreign
IaE-] officers
'Tt is strongly urged that action be
taken at the present session Of Congress
to supply this need. clearly existing IN
the naval service. in order that this
Government may not be compelled 70
longer occupy a position Of subordinu-
ton out Of harmony with our national
standing and prejudicial 70 our best use
fulness in the sphere of naval action
abroad
The report asks Congress 70 arrange
so that enough money be forthcoming
10 make the proposed dry dock at Pearl
Harbor LILO feet long instead Of $50, as
now proposed. Such a dock could accom-
modate two large vessels. instead Of
che
Navy Yards.
While nothing is said about the Wash
ington Navy Yard. the silence may be
ominous. for the report speaks Of the
desirability Of directing its energies
to building Up what it regards as the
IL
Washington does not appear Since the
yards referred to, however. are all dock
ing points as well. Il Is possible that no
dire fate is hanging over the local estab-
istment. especially, too, when many
members of the House Committee on
Naval Affairs are known to be inter
ested IN It
The Secretary says that while the
present Navy Department organization
may not be an ideal arrangement from
an economical standpoint. it is very far
from being the irresponsible and inn
practical organization which its critics
claim 1t to be, and. while a certain
measure Of consolidation Of duties OF
the various bureaus at navy yards and
certain consultations among tho bu-
reauS themselves may hereafter prove
desirable, the general principle of defin-
lite and explicit responsibility for the
various classes Of highly technical work
under the several bureaus, is sound in
theory and practice; that IS, moreover.
the basis Of the organization Of every
great Industrial establishment. the Navy
Department organization being, OF
course, more complex IN view OF the Pc
culiar duties which devOlve upon such
a military organization
Wants More Ships.
Mr.. Metcalf approving the report Of
the general board. recommends the ap-
preparation at this session Of Congress
for four battleships; four scout cruisers,
ten destroyers, four submarines, three
Golfers, one repair ship, one ammuni-
ton ship. and two mine-laying ships.
The battleships snoald be Of the heavy.
single &aliber. all big-gun type. land"
says the report, it IS deemed desirable
that as soon as practicable a squadron
Of eight battleships Of this type should
be completed. The North Dakota, Del
aware, Florida, and Utah viii form the
first division of this squadron. and the
four pro- Osed vessels viii form the sec
Ond division. All should have the same
tactical qualities. speed and turning
circles.
'The number Of scout cruisers" con-
tinUes the report should be one for
each battleship-"