The Montgomery advertiser., 1909-12-04
TO RETAIN NAVY YARDS
SECRETARY MEYER GIVES REA-
 SONS FOR ACTS.
In His Annual Report He Sets Forth Why Order of His Prede-
 eessor Was Set sFs Aside. szE

Washington. Dec. 3.--(SpeciaD--A the beginning of MT. Tafts admins tration. Mir. Meyer, suspended an or der signed by MT. Newberry, with the approval of the President, closing cer- tain Southern navy yards.
 The closing of the yards was in the direction of immediate economy, but it developed that legislative action was necessary to accomplish it; and furthermore that upon reconsidera- ton it was not entirely necessary. While it is desirable for economical reasons to restrict the number of man. ufacturing and repair establishments under the navy. 1t Is not certain that Rthe government can advantageously give up sites in which large expendi- lures have been made. until it is def initely known which ones will be needed in the near future and which are likely to be of the greatest value.
 The completion of the Panama Ca- nal. the. development of trade in the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean re- zion, and the probable increase of the naval establishments. will probably call for small supply or repair sta tions, in part for the heavy fleet. but principally for torpedo craft and sub marines
 The whole question of the relative importance of the different navy yards. even the smaller and admit tedly less necessary ones, is one that needs extended study and deliberation before a final decision Is reached |: this decision must have a due regard for the interests involved and the probable needs of the future from a strategic point of view
 Our docking and repair facilities need adjustment; the docking facili- ties particularly, on both the Allan tic and Pacific coasts, are inadequate for the heavy battleships now in course of construction. That the United States is not alone in being confronted with this problem of ade- quate docking and navy yard facilities Is shown by the fact that England and Germany are also struggling with the | same problem.
 These are some of the statements set forth in the annual report of Sec- | retary Meyer of the navy. Two big battleships of the all-big- gun class. are recommended by the Secretary. as well as repair ship. He makes 1t plain in his report that he is opposed, except occasionally, as 8 check on cost to the construction oi
 to the limitation of the construction oi
 only one battleship by any one shiE | building concern
 Estimates for the coming fiscal year were included in the report. They are more than $1O,000,000 less than the total amount appropriated for the pres | ent fiscal year.
 ] The Secretary says that the senior
 officers of the navy are too old. He | says that he Is preparing recommenda- tions on the matter and will submit them to the President shortly. Recommendations for the legal es- tablishment of a naval reserve of off. cers and men will also soon be submit ! ted to President Taft. Recommends tions in regard to the development of a naval militia are also promised. Secretary Meyer reviews and explains in detail his proposed plan for the re. organization of the Navy Departmen nj and navy yards. and asks for such legislation as may be needed to carry 1t into effect.