The citizen. (Honesdale, Pa.) 1908-1914, 1910-05-25
Senate Decides Upon Ad-
ditlOnS to Navy.
DESTROYERS OF $4,000 TONS.
Cost of New Dreadnoughts Estimated
at From $11,5oo,ooo to s1sooo,ooo
Each-Depew Tolls Some Exec
utiVe and Diplomatic Secrets.


ed to the American navy as a result of
the senate's action on the naval ap-
preparation bill. The house already
has authorized two first class ships of
war, and the senate's action goes far
toward establishing as a permanent
policy the two battleships year pro-
gram. This is the third year in sue
cessiOn that congress has voted such
an increase to the navy.
The proposition was carried in the
senate by vote of 80 to ~. The ma
val appropriation bill carries about
S134OO0,OO0.
The cost of the proposed battleships,
which will outciass the original Dread
nought type, is q subject over which
members Of the senate disagree. Sena-
tor Clay of Georgia In the course Of
the debate on the naval appropriation
bill estimated that the ships Of war
should each cost $16,O00,0OO. Senator
Hale of Maine, who for many years
was chairman of the senate committee
on naval affairs, fixed the cost of one
of these modern fighting machines at
S1S,OOO,O0O.
Both of these estimates were chal-
lenged by Senator Perkins, chairman
of the naval affairs committee, who
declared that the cost of the proposed
battleships would not be more than
Sl1,5OO0O0 each. He based his esti-
mate on information furnished by the
general b6ard of the navy and devel-
oped at the hearings Of the house ma
val affairs committee. Granting, how
ever, that the battleships would each
cost $5,00O,0O0 more than estimated,
Senator Perkins contended that it
would be wise policy to authorize their
construction. He maintained that 50
per cent of this amount would be paid
to labor.
During the discussion Senator Lodge
said that the maintenance of a strong
navy is the greatest guarantee of
peace. The Massachusetts senator said
he agreed with Senator Hale in advo-
eating international disarmament, but
he declared that nothing could be
gained by one nation offering itself as
a possible victim to others. The Amer
lean government, he contended, would
not exercise its present influence but
for its strong navy.
with the great nations of the world
rivaling each other in their efforts to
build the biggest navy, from what
quarter does the senator look for the
disarmament TO which he alludes?"
asked Senator DOlliver.
Il did not mean to suggest imme-
diate disarmament" replied Senator
Lodge. THE movement in that direc-
tion is becoming stronger all the while.
An enlightened public opinion will put
a stop to heavy taxation for increased
armament"
But is not the United States better
qualified by reason of location to make
a practical demonstration in favor of
disarmament? suggested the senator
from Iowa.
II believe we are in better posi-
ton to urge disarmament" was the
| reply of Senator Lodge Il am op-
posed to reduction of armament indie
pendent of any other country, which
| action would only increase the chances
| for war. This country is in = position
to say TO the nations of the world.
we will dsarm if you will"
Senator Dolliver expressed the opin-
ion that our moral influence on the
nations of the world is somewhat
paralyzed as the result of our activi-
ties for war preparations while urging
| International disarmament.
Senator Depew treated the senate TO
few executive and diplomatic Sc
| crets. He said that the war with
| Spain could have been averted, and
/ that while the late President McKin-
ley was against that war he could not
resist the tide of popular sentiment in
/ favor of the conflict.
! Speaking of how the United States
barely missed war with England at
/ the time OF President Cleveland's Ven
ezuela message, Senator Depew said:
lord Salisbury firmly believed that
the United States was determined to
have u war with England, and he be-
| lieved the time had arrived to have IL
out. The views of the prime minister
were overruled by Queen Victoria and
the late king, who were always friends
of the United States. If Lord Sails
bury had had his way war would have
come at a time when We We're abso-