The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-04-09

1 W. bcAttAN S4A-AiSs 5000 - ~NiN~N
burden, viii be added to the American
fleet If the Senate eoncurs in a provis-
ion incorporated in the naval appropri-
alton bin by the House yesterday.
The Senate is committed 10 a policy of
authorizing two battle ships year, and
this means that the naval bill to be ap-
proved by President Taft will provide
for two first class ships OF war.
To President Taft is given the credit
for saving the two battle ship pro-
gramme. The leaders tried to organize
their forces against two battle ships
The President was advised of the stu
alton, and got busy with the member
ship of the House. The result OF his
efforts was shown late yesterday when
vote was taken on the two battle ship
programme. It was carried by a vote
OF 100 TO 100. a majority of ffty-one.
which far exceeded the expectations of
the most sanguine of the advocates Of.
the larger navy"
Big Day in the House.
Yesterday was a big day in the House
The struggle over 'the Increase in the
navy" began early and continued until
adjournment at o'clock. Nearly every
member was present, the whips" OF the
two Sides having sent out notice that
every seat should be occupied,
Representative Foss, of Illinois. chair
man of the Committee on Naval Affairs
was fearful that the "watchdogs Of the
treasury setting up the cry of economy
would be successful in defeating the pro-
vision for TWO battle ships. y canvass Of
the House disclosed that a majority
favored this proposal, but Mr.. Foss and
other Republican members Of the Naval
Committee were apprehensive. 4 test
vote was taken on the battle ship pro-
gramme in the Committee of the Whole
about o'clock This disclosed that the
House would vote for two battle ships. as
it did subsequently, when Representative
Padgett the ranking Democratic member
of the committee. made a motion 10 re-
commit the bill, with Instructions to re-
port in favor Of one battle ship instead OF
two,
Tawney's Fight in Vain.
Representative Tawney. chairman OF the
Committee on Appropriations, and other
House leaders, aided by Representative
Bartholdt and associate peace advocates,
tried TO vote down two battle ships.
Amendments were offered proposing one
battle ship, and others that no battle ships
should be provided, but on the show
down two battle ships were authorized.
One OF the surprising developments of
the day was the adoption of an amend
ment providing that in contracts made
for naval construction an eight-hour labor
day should be prescribed.
This amendment was offered by Repre-
sentative Fitzgerald, of New York, whose
knowledge of the rules at times seemed
TO surpass that of any other member on
the floor.
For years the Democrats have been
trying to read an eight-h0ur labor day
into the naval bill. but until yesterday
their efforts ended in failure. The Fitz-
gerald amendment went through with a
rush. A good many Republicans were
opposed TO il, but none Of them was
willing TO subject himself or his col
leagues TO a record vote. The amend
ment vas passed on a rising vote. only
a handful of Republicans opposing it.
Meyer Plan Defeated.
The Meyer plan for Reorganization of the
Navy Department was given no consid-
Grafton As the naval bill was reported. !
it provided that the Meyer plan should
be given years trial by allowing the
Secretary of the Navy permission TO in
terchange among the various bureaus
the appropriations authorized by the
measure
Representative Hobson, of Alabama,
made a point of order against this pro-
vision, and it went out without rnurmur
of protest. Unless the Senate reverses
the House. the Secretary Of the Navy. If
he insists upon carrying out his plan of
reorganization without Congressional au-
thorization, VIII have to enforce it by the |
circuitous methods he is now following
The House restored to the navy bill ap-
propriations TO continue work on dry
dock No 4, now building at the Brook |
Ign Navy Yard. and dry docks now in /
course OF construction at Puget Sound, |
Washington. and Pearl Harbor Hawaii
Here again the hand OF President Taft /
was plainly discernibIe. Early in the
week the "watohdOgs" ran amuck
against the dppIUpIlaUOls TOT oTN DOCKS, /
and before they had finished the Job they I
had knocked out the appropriation for /
these public works.
Committeeman at White House.
Members Of the Naval Committee Wis /
tt,@ The White House. They directed at
tention TO the fact that the dry docks (
at Puget Sound and Pearl Harbor were +
part and parcel Of a scheme Of defense, /
and that the dry dock at Brooklyn was
intended 10 care for the big ships Of the |
navy. II work on them was not contin- |
ued. 1t was pointed out. the plans OF the !
Secretary OF the Navy would be serious /
ly hindered. Mr.. Taft talked the matter
over with the watchdogs, They barked /
yesterday when it was proposed to re- /
store the appropriations for the dry
docks, but they did not bite
One Of the pet provisions OF Secretary /
Meyer went out of the bill on point !