The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1909-12-04
TWO MORE BATTLESHIP
Are Asked for by Secretary Meyer in
His Report.

| Washington. Dec 4.-Despite the agi-
| tation to close some of the navy yards
along the southern coast, Secretary OF
| the Navy Meyer will o.oose any such
step for the present. This much is
made plain in his annual report sub
mitted to President Taft.
Secretary Meyer says that he is not
| entirely convinced that the government
can advantageously give up sites, in
which large expenditures have been
made. until after the opening of the
Panama canal, when it definitely can
| be demonstrated which are likely to be
OF the greatest value.
TT is not unknown in the history OF
the government" says the secretary,
that national reservations have been
Given up and later were bought back at
increased cost" Again in discussing
the same subject, he says that the
completion Of the Panama canal, the
development of trade in the Gulf of
Mexico and the whole Caribbean region,
and the probable increase of the naval
establishment to meet our national re-
sponslb1l1t1es in that area will probably
call for supply stations, in part for the
heavy- fleet, but practically for the tor
pedo craft and submarines and the
smaller vessels needed there
He urges the extreme desirability"
OF developing the naval station partly
established at Guantanamo, Cuba
With the opening of the Panama
the scene of great commercial activity,
and our responsibility as to the policing
ana maintenance call for an adequate
naval repair base in that locality
Plan for Reorganization.
Inc secretary reviews in detail his
proposed plan for the reorganization of
the navy, and in addition makes many
recommendations for the conduct of af-
fairs in his department
Two more battleships of the ll-big-
gun type are recommended to be con-
structed, but, on account of the desire
TO keep down the expenditures he asks
only Tor repair ship in addition to
tnese two proposed giants of the sea.
Inc completion of the big dry dock
at the Brooklyn navy yard is urged.
ana furthermore the secretary says that
1t is clear that one dock on the At
lantic coast, for docking our largest
battleships, is not sufficient since that
might be injured" In this connection,
ne points out that provisions for dock
ing OF heavy vessels injured or dam
most entirely lacking, and that but few
navy yards exist on either coast which
nave Suf1clent water to dock an in
Jured battleship drawing four or five
1eet more than it's ordinary draft.
Ship construction at the navy yards
Of the United States is opposed as a
principle by the secretary. Only occa-
slonally, as check on costs of par
tIcular types. does he believe that the
United States should build a ship.
Shipbuilding concerns should be en-
ccuraged, in his opinion, so that the
government can profit by their expert
ence and resources. and also because
ordinarily the work is done more eco
homlcally by them than at navy yards.
Opposes Restrictions.
Furthermore, Secretary Meyer is op-
posed to congress restricting the con-
struction by one sfipbuilding company
to one battleship, or to requiring one
battleship to be constructed at a navy
yard, or on one coast or the other
Estimates for the coming fiscal year
were included in the report. They are |
SIG, 011.000 less than the total amount !
appropriated for the present fiscal !
year.
The senior officers of the navy are |
too old, according to the secretary. He |
announces in his report that he soon
as to new legislation for I
remedying this defect. 1.-The senior Of
dcers of our navy are too old for the |
and arduous duty re- /
uuired in the modern battleship'' says I
the secretary. They are much older |
than similar officers in the other prin- |
cipal navies of the world. Not only is
this the case, but flag officers arrive ,
at the grade of rear admiral so late
that even those Of longest possible SER
vice do not get adequate training as
flag officers before assum-
ing the chief command"
Recommendations for the legal es-
adjustment Of naval reserve of Off /
GERS and men and in regard to the de-
velcpment Of naval militia are also |
promised