Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-02-24

en- of the country. Where should women
be more welcome than at meeting of
society that pursues peace through the
strong arm of the navy?
Those who stay behind taste the bit
terness of war. Women feel all the suf-
ferings of anxiety and they must appre-
ciate the blessings of peace. So we have
the women with
Many now have votes and more Will
have them in the near future. But every
woman can influence more than one vote.
Impress upon father. brother son and
lover the duty to vote for a strong fleet
as an insurance against war.
Il believe there is not better work Tor
a patriotic body of citizens to engage IN
than to work for the fleet, and l am sure
that the Navy League can, and will. be-
come a strong body, well equipped to work
for the best interests of the nation.
Never a Party Question.
Representative Sherley, introduced as a
friend of the navy, expressed his appre-
citation of this designation. confessing his
suspicion that a democrat was excluded
from consideration as a patriot.
He had never known the naval pro-
gram to be party question. he declared.
At no time while he has been in Con-
gress, said Mr.. Sherley, but the opposition
of republicans, if united with solid
democracy. would have been sufficient to
The lack of any definite and permanent
naval policy was commented upon by Mr..
Sherley. The entire Congress. repub-
leans and democrats, he declared. is in
favor of an efficient navy. Who is to
define it? he asked. Failure to adopt a
naval program. he pointed out. Is not to
be laid at the door of the democrats,
which have had no voice in the matter
for eighteen years.
There are more auxiliary ships in the
a On them
serted. There are many problems to be
solved. If Congress fails to stand Tor
the naval program now 1t Is no evidence
that Congress is not in favor of an eff
cient navy, he said.
Favors Adequate Appropriations.
He declared his own anxiety to see that
proper appropriation should be made for
an efficient army and navy and efficient
defense.
I'VE are the only nation appropriating
thousand. million dollars annually by
most unscientific methods conceivable"
he commented. Every other nation pre-
sents real. true budget from the ad-
ministrative end, and considered from the
legislative end as comprehensive bud
GET
There is no time in the legislative
period of consideration Of government
estimates, he declared, when a proper
discussion can be had of what is wise
expenditure for defense or for other func-
tions of the government, nor opportunity
for consideration of the relative proper
ton of appropriations for the various
purposes of government
For the establishment of permanent
policy of defense. Mr.. Shirley proposed
the creation of board representing the
army and nav yand also the legislature
to consider and form plan. This pro-
gram should be presented to the people
clearly to permit an intelligent consider
alton of its relations to the national de-
tense.
The voice of the people, he was con-
fident no one need fear would be I'M
favorable to adequate and even liberal
appropriation for the purpose.
Represent Public Opinion.
.Congressmen in his opinion are repre-
sentatives Of public opinion and moved
by no greater consideration in forming
legislation. There is no disposition among
any group of men in Congress. he was
certain, to do other than their full duty.
If Congress is educated in the right
way, he asserted. the people will have no
cause to think that the national defense
is endangered.
Charles Francis Adams, publicist, the
last speaker, declared his views that ma
lions, adopting the roles Of international
constables, alone would be able to en-
force rules of an International court OF
Justice.
He suggested an alliance. defensive and
offensive, between great powers with the
purpose Of establishing an international