New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1910-03-06
GERMAN NAVAL AIMS
Chancellor DisorO1cs 4ny Hos
, tile Intentions.

ferLn. harch o--RepIy1nS to Count OPP
perdorff's criticism of the governments
policy in the construction of warships on
loans, and regarding the Krupp monopoly
of arnor plates, Admiral Won Tirpitz sal
that the system of loans for warship build
ing would cease in 1916, after which year
new ships would be built from the product
of taxation. The minister declared that
the construction of vessels would cost less
every year. This years estimates are
S6,Oc0,00O less than those CT 1909.
The question of tie Krupp monopoly, the
Marine Minister said, had aroused the
greatest interest in the government, which
had made strong endeavors to secure
cheaper armor plates, and thus overcome
the krupp monopoly. Said the admiral:
II have not hesitated even to ask an
American firm, the MidvaIe. which at that
time made arnoT at cheaper price for
the American navy. so as to secure its en-
trance into the arnor plate business. That
firm replied: Owing to the rapid building
in German shipyards. we would be unable
TO deliver the armor on time. We would
like first to deliver material for trials
which would meet with the fullest require
ment of the most modern projections in
arnor plates. and only submit our ma
terial for the criticism OF the German Of
fcers when we We're prepared 10 under
take the contract
Continuing, the Marine Minister said that
all attempts of the German Ministry at
home and abroad 10 break up the Krupp
monopoly had failed. but he assured the
House that Germany obtained better armor
plates than any other country Altogether,
he concluded. Germany could be satisfied
expended en- the feet. for when those re-
suits We're considered Germany's navy
had not played a bad part
Chancellor Won Bethmann- HoilweS made
strikingly pacific speech on International
relations during an unexpected interven-
ton in the naval debate. Replying 20 the
arguments OF Herr Sudekums, the Socialist
member. that Germany's great fleet was
not called for by commerce or the coll
onies and that England was justified in the
belief that it was directed against her. the
Chancellor spoke shortly. but vigorously.
saying:
Our relations with England lie clear
and open before everybody's eyes. 1t is not
necessary to repeat that our fleet is not for
aggressive purposes. but for the protection
of our coasts and commerce. The limits
OF our naval programme are known 10
every one, with the dates for the compile
ton of our ships, Nothing is secret about
the programme. and nothing Is done in
such way as 10 arouse suspicion or belief
that a threat is intended against anybody.
Finally, il is our wish To cultivate UNI
preiudiced. straightforward and friendly
relations with England. | do not see why
the existing friendly relations shoult be
disturbed between Germany and England
with whom we are closely connected
both economically and i'll culture. No ma
ton on earth can divert or suppress free
competition OF other nations. We must
all proceed on the same lines as au honest
merchant, and on this foundation | am
convinced that tbs relation of confidence
existing between Germany and Ensllud
will develop favorably. and that public
opinion of both countries will be Influenced
In the same way"