Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1912-12-07
ASKS CONGRESS FOR
MANY BATTLESHIPS
CONTINUED From Page -


solemnly binding treaties between ma
tions for the protection Of nations
sovereign rights and interests" he
says, "and without doubt the time Is
remote when comparatively un-
armed and helpless nation may be
reasonably free from attack by am.
bilious wellarmed powers, especially
In commercial age, such lis the
present. The economical system OF a
great commercial nation Is 80 delicate
ly balanced that even threat Of war
is very disturbing and harmful while
a war with any other great power
would cause incalculable damage.
Urges Preparation for War.
ITO avoid war and insure peace the
country must be prepared for war. No
person of intelligence who has studied
international policies can be blind to
the fact that the possession of great
wealth resources and population, does
not carry with 1t immunity from at.
tack SHOULD the nations interests
clash with those of another better pre-
pared"
The opening of the Panama canal
will in no sense double the American
fleet, according to Secretary Meyer
While it will increase it's efficiency by
facilitating its passage from one coast
to the other, this condition has been
fully considered in calculating the
naval progam. Without the canal, says
Secretary Meyer, experts figure that
the United States would need fleet
double that of a country whose coast
line is continuous. 4
-a..." rouaI<fon Il Hood ....
Battle practice has brought the ex'
listing fleet to state of complete
readiness for instant service, says Sec
rotary Meyer In commenting on the
navy's condition. Reserve as we'll as
active vessels are kept In condition
for any contingency; and the navy's
gunners have during the year made
records that more than sustain the
high standards Of the service.
Lax In Aviation Equipment.
Aeroplane equipment is entirely in
adequate at the present time. accord
ing to Secretary Meyer. He points out
that while the United States spent
only $4,000 for this purpose last
year, Japan spent 100000 and five
European nations spent individual
sums ranging from 100000 to
$6,0O0,O0O, the latter being the ex-
penditure of France. Secretary Meyer
says there should be no Limitation
upon the progressive development of
naval aviation.
He recommends the creation OF a
naval reserve of about $4,000 men,
$4,000 to be secured from the honor
ably discharged men Of the navy, the
naval militia, and verious mechanical
trades Of civil life; the other $4,000
from among sailors Of the merchant
marine. ~
Effect on Small Ship Yards.
The application OF the eight-hour law
to all shipyards, says Secretary Meyer,
will probably cause an increase in the
appropriation necessary to build ships
Of given type. AS to small American
navy yards, Secretary Meyer makes
no definite recommendations for their
adjustment, but suggests that If the
American fleet Is to spend part OF Its
time on the Pacific coast after the
Panama canal opens some Of the navy
yards on the eastern coast will auto
matically close from lack Of work. As
to the first-class yards, he adopts the
recommendation of the general board
that all their channels be dredged to
depth Of at least forty feet and
roio{rorro width NJ 7SO fact -.-"