The Democratic banner. (Mt. Vernon, Ohio) 1898-192?, 1913-11-04


Laek-ArtilIery so III Supplied That
II Could Not Go Through One En-
gapenent--Navai Budget Increase.
Recent developments In Mexico have
sharply directed the attention of war
department officials in Washington to
The armys unpreparedness for trouble.
The question has received serious
consideration, and congress will be
asked to increase appropriations with
a view to establishing the army ON
footing where 1t will be responsive in
any emergency.
For example, Secretary Garrison
asks for an appropriation of nearly
$8OO0.000 for the purchase Of ammuni-
dOn. In recent years not more than
$2,0O0.000 annually has been allowed
by congress for this purpose. The esti-
mates by the secretary Of war invari.
ably have exceeded the amounts voted,
but Secretary Garrison's estimate Is
far in excess of any made in recent
years.
The secretary of war last year asked
for 1.250.000 for ammunition for the
artillery corps as compared with the
$6,OOe000 to be requested by Secretary
Garrison for this branch of the service.
Not Enough For One Engagement.
1t is well known among army officers
that the field artillery has been neg
lccted by congress. This is made up
of ninety batteries, each Of four guns.
Experts declare that at present the
corps has not sufficient ammunition in
stock to go through a single engage
ment. AT present the artillery has no
reserve stock of ammunition.
War department officials believe the
artillery should have available at all
times about $24,OOO,0OO worth of am
munition, ample for beginning and
continuing operations In case of trou-
BILE until the supply could be replen-
ished.
Here is what General Wood, the
chief of staff, said In his report of 1912
concerning the unpreparedness of the
artillery corps:
Il cannot too strongly urge the ne
cessity for more liberal appropriations
for the manufacture of reserve mate
rial of the following type: First field
artillery guns and ammunition; second.
coast artillery ammunition The con-
ditiOn as to shortage, especially of field
artillery guns and ammunition is one
which constitutes a grave danger to
this country and one which would Sc
riously prejudice our chances for sue
cess in case of war with first class
power. We shall be found unprepared
in this most important arm. both in
guns and ammunition. unless the pres
ent deficiency is provided"
A little In excess of S94.O00,OO0 was
made available for the needs Of the
army this year. For the next fiscal
year the estimates call for an appro-
priatiOn of $1O1, 100000. Most Of the
increase is made up by the larger al
iowance asked for the purchase of am.
uunitiOn.
Navy Estimates Probably Increased.
Leaders in congress fear that the na-
w estimates also will be increased,
| 1ue appropriation LOT LliS year was
more than S140.O00,O0O 1t is general
ly believed the administration will urge
the authorization of two battleships
in the new budget
The small navy men are preparing to
! fight this building program. They hope
that the German emperor will ac'
quiesce in the proposal of Winston
Churchill of the British admiralty that
the powers shall suspend naval build
ing operations for year as matter
of economy.
The small navy men are hoping
against hope that Germany will fall in
line with the policy of retrenchment
suggested by Churchill, although they
feel that she will not, If the kaiser
should consent to lay off battleship
building for year the small navy
men in congress believe they could
prevent the incorporation of two bat
tIeship program in the coming naval
budget.
Otherwise they fear that the recon-
4 mendation of the administration In
this regard will be followed by con
gress and that it will take hard wOrh
In the December session to prevent the
allowance Of very liberal appropria