Albuquerque morning journal., 1910-12-07


: established by law July /, 1910. The
naval supply fund of s2.700, 600 is now
,, on deposit in the treasury to the
credit of the department. The secre-
tary recommends that the naval sup
ply account be made permanent by
law and that the S2.7O0.000 of the
naval supply fund be covered into the
treasury as unneC sssary, and | asl,
Tor legislative authority to do this,
> This sum when covered into the
treasury will be really reduction in
recorded naval cost for this year. The
estimates of the navy department are
$5, 100000 less than the appropriations
for the same purpose last year. and
included in this is the building pro-
gram of the same amount as that sub
mitted for your consideration last
year 1t Is merely carrying out the
plan of building two battleships a
lyear, with a few needed auxiliary ves-
sells. l earnestly hope that this pro-
gram will be adopted.
Abolition of Navy Yards
The secretary Of the navy has given
personal examination to every navy
yard and has studied the uses of the
navy yards with reference to the ne
cessties of our fleet With a fleet
considerably less than half the size Of
that of the British navy we have ship
yards more than double the number,
and there are several of these ship
yards, expensively equipped with mod
ern machinery. which after investiga-
tion the secretary of the navy believes
to be entirely useless for naval pur-
poses. He asks authority to abandon
certain of them and to move their
machinery to other places where it
can be made of use.
In making these recommendations
the secretary is following directly
IalonS progressive lines which have
been adopted in our great commercial
and manufacturing consultations in
this country; that is, of dismantling
unnecessary and inadequate plants and
IGiscontinulng their existence where it
| has been demonstrated that it is un
profitable to continue their main
te nance at an expense not commen-
surate to their product.
The secretary points out that the
most important naval base in the West
Indies is Guantanamo, in the south
eastern part of Cuba. It's geograph
cal situation is admirably adapted 10
protect the commercial paths to the
Panama canal, and he shows that by
the expenditure of less than half
million dollars, with the machinery
which he shall take from other navy
yards, he can create a naval station at
Guantanamo of sufficient size and
equipment to serve the purpose of an
emergency naval base. earnestly
join in the recommendation that he
be given the authority which he asks.
am quite aware that such action is
likely TO arouse local opposition; but
conceive it TO be automatic that in
leeislaiing in the interest of the navy,
and for the general protection of the
country by the navy, mere local pride
or pecuniary interest in the establish
ment of a navy yard or station ought
to play no part The recommends
ton OF the secretary is based upon the
judgment of impartial naval officers,
entirely uninfluenced by any geo.
graphical or sectional considerations,
| unite With the secretary in the rec
rnmendation that an appropriation
be made to construct a suitable crypt
at Annapolis for the cussody of the re-
mains of John Paul Jones.
Peary.
The complete success of our coun-
try in arctic exploration should not
tlnnoticed. For centuries there
has been friendly rivalry in this field
of effort between the foremost ma
tions and between the bravest and
most accomplished men, Expeditions
W iIlt uHkliOWI nave DttIl til-
couraged by enlightened governments |
and deserved honors have been grant !
ed to the daring men who have con- |
Quoted them. The unparalleled |
achievement of Peary in reaching the |
north pole, April 6, 1909. approved by |
critical examination of the most expert |
scientists has added to the distinction |
of our navy. to which he belongs, and |
reflects credit upon his country His
unique success has received generous
acknowledgements from scientific bodies
md Institutions Of learning in Europe 1
md America. recommend fitting
by congress of the great
achievement of Robert Edwin Peary.
OF THE INTERIOR.
appeals to Court in Land Cases.
The secretary of the interior recon-
nends a change of the law in respect
"a the procedure In adjudicating
3laims for lands by which appeals
an be taken from the decisions of
he department to the court of appeals
II the District Of Columbia for a
judicial consideration of the rights of
he claimant. This change finds COM
,lete analogy in the present provision
or appeals from the decisions of the
commissioner of patents The judg-
nents of the court in such cases would
'e Of decisive value to land claimants
Generally and to the department of
he interior in the administration of
he law. would enable claimants to
ring into court the final considera-
ion os issues as to the title to govern
nent land and would, I think. obvate |
good deal of the subsequent litiga-
ion that now arises in our western |
ourts. The bill is pending. / believe. i
n the house. having been favorably ,
eported from the committee on pub
C lands, and 1 recommend its enact
lent.
one of the difficulties in the in ,
arior department and in the land Of :
ice has been the delays attendant !
pom the consideration by the land of !
Ice and the secretary of the interior :
/ claims for patents Of public lands !
} individuals. / am glad to say that I
nder the recent appropriations of the !,
ongress and the earnest efforts of the !,
scretary and his subordnates, these !,
rrears have been disposed of, and !.
ne work of the department has been =
rought more nearly up to date in re- !.
beet to the pending business than !,
rer before in its history. Economies =
ave been effected where possible =
ithout legislative assistance, and y
lese are shown in the reduced esti- =
ates for the expenses of the depart =
ent during the current fiscal year =
I'D during the year to come.
ConcorxaffOn a.