The Washington herald., 1913-12-01


1t can saYe larger sums when it can
make its own armor plate and gun forg-
ings."
High Cost of Navy.
Calling attention to the rising costs Of
naval establishments, Mr.. Daniels says:
mo single nation with large interests
can safely take vacation in the building
of battleships. That much to be desired
/ vacation must come through concerted
action. II II is not hastened by appeals
for the peaceful settlement of national
differences the day is not far distant
when the growing burden of taxation for
excessive war and naval expenditures viii
| call a halt.
"I trust the tentative suggestion for
naval holiday by the strongest Of the
powers will be debated and the matter
! seriously considered by an international
conference looking to reduction of the
ambitious and costly plans for navy in
crease"
OF the building program recommended,
Mr.. Daniels contends that while 1t Is not
a large one it meets the demand to go
forward in the continuation OF an
adequate and well proportioned navy.
| OF his program. Mr.. Daniels says:
Those who bid US stand still In con.
struction Will not approve this conserva-
| tive program. Those who wish to hasten
more rapidly in construction will not
\ give il their approval 1t has been rec
| ommended, after mature consideration, as
a middle course of wisdom.
1.-THE revenues of the country do not
| permit as large an expansion in naval
building as the department might desire
to enter upon at this time. In its recon-
mendations 1t has kept in view the prob
| nd
placed the new construction at the very
lowest program that could meet the needs
1 Of the country or carry out the pledges
\ made to the voters.
J II have reduced the building proposed
by the general board, not because OF
opposition to the progressive plans OF
that able body of naval statesmen. but
because it is deemed wise to suggest a
| budget that will be within the resources
of our government 1t Is the duty OF
the naval experts to make such recon-
mendations as their experience and train
| ing dictate. 1t is the duty of the head
| Of the department to urge only such ap-
preparations as it is believed Congress
| can grant within the limits of its prob
| able income
Mr.. Daniels shifts to Congress the re-
sponsibility of deciding whether the con-
struction of the proposed great drydock
1T E1dTDOFs I1d"dl. stldll Dt COH-
tinued. He has and will transmit to
Congress the report of Alfred Noble,
civil engineer Of international reputation,
who recommends that the dock be con-
structed on its present sit. in spite Of
the fact that the preliminary structure
was destroyed through the yielding of the
coral foundation.
IT will be his policy. Mr.. Daniels says,
to devote the money appropriated for the
navy more to construction OF ships and
ship facilities, such as docks and ship
building plants, than for the upbuilding
OF great shore stations not contributing
directly to the upkeep Of the feet.
The Secretary recommends that all ap-
pointments to the Naval Academy here
after be made on a competitive basis,
| rather than by preference. Promotion
among officers hereafter will include as
requirement a definite AMOUNT Of sea
service in each grade. Secretary Daniels
calls attention to the fact that more
than $4,000 is paid out by the navy
each year in the pay of retired officers.
He hopes to reduce that by means Of
a graduated retirement law.