The Washington herald., 1913-02-05
ANOTHER Fight
ON BATILESHIPS
Representatives Burnett and
Sherwood Issue Call for
Economy Caucus.
DESIRE BUILDINGS
Omnibus Measure Scientifically Load
ed and Bill Probably
Will Pass.

Representative Burnett of Alabama,
who soon will report a $50, 000, 600 or more
public buildings bill, and Representative
Sherwood of Ohio author of the bill at
the last session that added approximately
S5GOOoOOO a year 10 the pension budget,
are responsible for a notice issued yes
teuiay asking the Democratic members
of the House to met in an economy
caucus"
Messrs Burnett and Sherwood argue
without a smile that appropriations are
mounting up to enormous figures and
that it is time TO call a halt. They are
preaching economy at this time with
view of defeating. If possible, the in
corporation of an amendment in the naval
bill authorizing the construction Of two
battleships. Despite the efforts of the
Democratic leaders to keep the navy out
of politics, the battleship programme Is
again to be subjected to the test Of a
party caucus
While the movement set in motion by
Messrs. Burnett and Sherwood may upset
the plans of the Naval Committee to
!rovide for two battleships, the humor OF
the situation is not lost on the House
membership. At the last session OF
Congress Mr.. Burnett who throws his
hat in the air every time he thinks OF
d new public building. raised cry
against any addition TO the batteshtp
fleet He insisted that what the country
reeded was public buildings and he eN-
PRESSED alarm over the eNtrayagant
notions OF those who want to build up
the navy Mr.. Burnett rallied others of
the pork brigade around his person
a caucus was held. and, much to the
crAein of the leaders. the party was put
<Necord in opposition TO battleships
Leaders expressed alarm yesterday when
they learned that Messrs. Burnett and
Sherwood, tine economy twins had
circulated a petition for a caucus that
would be used for the purpose, If pos
siblc. OF knocking out batIleships.
Omnibus Bill Loaded.
Mr. Burnett is acting chairman of the
Public Buildings Committee, and is pre-
pairing an omnibus public buildings bill
that is loaded with such scientific pre-
cision that even the leaders admit It
would take a civil war or complications
with iTst-class European power to
prevent its passage.
On the other hand, Representative
Sherwood is said to he convinced that
the laws heretofore passed granting pen
lions have failed signally TO recognize
ell of those who he believes TO be en-
titled to recognition. He is said TO dis
Germ in the battIeship programme a subtle
attempt to divert the attention of Con-
greSs from the work which Mr.. Sherwood
believes it was created to do. In fact,
both Burnett and Sherwood seem to feel
that there Is likely to be more money
for public buildings and pensions If the
navy is sighted.
Despite the activities of the small
Hsvy'' members. led by Mr.. Burnett and
Mr.. Sherwood. the House Naval Com
mittee is going ahead with its work:
The battIeship programme will come up
for a vote in committee Friday. Present
indications are that the committee will
vote in favor of two dreadnoughts, if, in
the meantime, the Democratic caucus
does not pass a resolution to a contrary
effect The date of the economy eau
Gus" has not been fixed, but it will
doubtless be held some time this week.
Sentiment for an authorization for two
battIeships has been growing in COM
mittee and in the House generally for
many weeks. This came to the knowl-
edge of Messrs. Burnett and Sherwood,
and accounts for this renewed activity.
1t is frankly admitted by members of
the Naval Committee that the economy
twins" may be able to defeat the two
battleship programme. One battleship is
assured, whatever happens.