The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1912-12-06


~ ~ fourth place in tho
S-cret.ry Neyer. relative standing
OF naval powers, "
II continues the policy or building only
two ships each year.
International peace has been brought
no nearer. the secretary declares. so
far as linnits ton of ornaments IL con-
cerned To guard its cost ana TO pro-
tect its comm rcial activities. the
United States needs a permanent navy
Of forty-one capital ships-batueshps
and battle cruisers-according TO Sec
rotary Meyer. The present strength oil
i the navy in battleships 10 about thirty
three, but four ships will soon be os-
tired as obsolete.
Recital of Development.
Secretary Meyers report Is a recital
of the development Of the navy during
the year. with few recommendations
beyond those contained in his former
reports. He gives chief emphasis TO
his recommendation that the navy Dc
increased according to a program that
will keep the nation in it's present posi-
tion among the world powers: and the
suggestion that Congress remove the
limit upon the amount Of u1oney that
can be spent for aviation and permit
the navy TO compete with the like es-
tablishments of other nations in de-
veloping aerial methods of defense.
For the coming year the Secretary
OF the Navy urges that Congress ap-
propriate money for three battleships
of the Dreadnaught class and for two
battle cruisers, sixteen destrOyers, six
submarines. two gunboats and Meet
Of auxiIiaries, to include transports.
supply ships. tugs. tenders and q dry
dock. The navy general board re-
commends four battieships: and Secre-
tary Meyer points out that even though
this number should be authorized. 1t
would mean no real increase in the
navy. as four ships are soon to be re-
tired, because they will have passed
the age OF twenty years
Secretary Meyer expresses skepticisn
as to the abolition of war in the near
future Wars come with little or no
warning. he says. and only by the pos
session OF an efficient feet OF adequate
size will the country be safe from at
tack and free to work out Its own
destiny IN peace and without him
ORANGE.
The history OF all times. including
the present. shows the futility and
danger of trusting to the good will and
fair dealing. and even to the most
solsmnIy binding treaties between ma
, tons for the protection of . nations
sovereign rights and interests" he
says land without doubt the time Is
remote when a comparatively unarmed
and helpless nation may be reasonably
free from attack by ambitious. we'll
armed powers. especially in q CONNER
cial age. such as the present. The
economical system OF a great CONNER
cial nation is SO delicateiy balanced
that even a threat of war is very dis
turbing and harmful. while a war with
any other great power would cause in
calculabie damage
Must BE Prepared for War.
ITO avoid war and insure peace the
country must be prepared for war.
No person of Intelligence who has
studied international politics can be
blind to the fact that the possession
OF great wealth. resources and popula-
ton does not carry with IL immunity
from attack should the nations inter-
ests clash with those of another bet
ter prepared
he opening o. the Panama Canal
will in no sense double the American
fleet, according TO Secretary Meyer.
\. hiIe il will increase Its efficiency by
facilitating its passage from one coast
to the other. this condition has been
ly considered IN calculating the
naval program Without the canal.
SAYS Secretary Meyer, experts fgtre
that the United States would need
fleet double that OF a country whose
coast line Is continuous
The secretary estimates that to-
tai OF forty-one bsttleships with
proportional number OF other lighting
and auxiliary vessels. IL the least that
would place this puntry on safe
basis in its relations with other world
powers. This fleet should be secured
as soon as practicable. he said. and IT'S
strength should be maintained BY re-
placing obsolete vessels with new
ones By Uniform annual program
While the Navy Department would
welcome more torpedo boats and SUD
marines. the secretary expresses the
belief that Until more Of the old bat
tieships are replaced. ~ Is wiser 70
builG bsttleships than smaller vessels
As 70 the need OF battlecruiser'.
the swifter ships OF the fret line
OF defense. Secretary Meyer quotes
the Naval General Board.
The United states has no vessels
Of this typ. They have military
value not possible to obtain from
other types or combinations OF types
To further neglect their necessity -
strength The paramount need Of the
navy Is. however. for Ssttlesh!ps. sno
the board does not recommend any
riodifcation % the ouildins program
- which preference In buildins
siven 90 battiscrsisers or other nest
Units. and auxilisries. which viii IN
ierferc with the ultimate oattlcship
strength"
battle practice has brought the ex-
istng feet 20 state % compiets
readiness for instant service. sats
Secretary Meyer ia commenting on
the navy's condition. Reserve a. well
a. active vessels are kept IN ccudi-
ton Tor any contingency. and the
pavv's gunners have. during tho year.
made records that more than sustain
he hfeh standards - THE service
Az FT~ef E-srnoni
Aeropiane equipment u entirely m
adequate e. the present time. accord
insfo Secretary Meyer He points cut