Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1914-12-12

fleet smaller than ours in strength,
only half as many submarines.
What we have done, however. in
submarine construction, is but an
earnest of what must be done in the
future. When we shall have division
of sea-going submarines in commits
sion we will have added to the battle
ship feet a strong fighting unit which
must be of large Importance in any
oversee operations.
'-As far as the submarine themselves
are concerned, 1t is believed that ours
are on a par with any in the world In
the appropriation made by the last Con-
gross two types for the first time were
included-one of high surface speed, to
accompany the feet, and one for coast
and harbor defense. In the building of
two such distinct types we are in ac-
cord with what foreign countries are
doing. and submarine fiotillas in the
future will probably be composed of
vessels of these two types"
OF aviation the secretary says
Air craft have demonstrated in the
present war in Europe that no military
arm is complete which lacks them
They will not replace vessels of war,
but Will extend the field of operations
to the air as well as on the surface of
and underneath the water. They pro-
vide the best means for discovering
submarine mines, and have now become
an indispensable naval adjunct
I'VE are but in the infancy of air
craft. The development in the manu-
Iacture or these craft in this country
needs TO be stimulated, and the sue
cess of this arm in the military service
abroad will be mighty stimulus to
American manufacturers.
orders were given, early in the wear.
Tor some foreign-built aeroplanes. in
aadltlon TO larger orders for aeroplanes
ihaoe IN this country. Unfortunately.
.he war made 1t impossible for the or
GERS placed abroad to be filled, and the
eflai OF such craft must be postponed.
Inc pest types of American manufac-
lure nave been ordered, and the depart-
ment will develop this modern branch
OF the naval service steadily and ran
idly"
me General Board does not take the
same view Its report refers to it's
RECOMMENDATIONS in 1913 which
Drought to the attention of the de-
partinent the dangerous situation of
the country in the lack of air craft
ana air men IN both the naval and
HiIiitafs services. At the present time
nc total number of air craft Of any
hif.d owned by the navy consists of
l. aefopIanes, not more than two of
"nlch are OF the same type, and all
reported to have too little speed and
carrying capacity for service work.
In our present condition of unpre-
ps-iedness. III contact with any foe pos
sessihs proper air service, our scout
Ing would be blind. would he with
out the means of detecting the pres
ence " submarines or mine fields or
OF attempting direct attack on the en-
envy from The air, while our an move
fnents would he an open book to him.
/ he General board can not too strong
u urge that the departments most
serious thought be given to this mat
ter, anu That Congress be asked Cor
al appropr-a don OF at least $4,000 900
iol' the purpose of establishing an eff
I-clenU ar. service"
Financial conditions resulting from
The European war have caused the de-
parinenl TO refrain from asking this
year Tor an increase in personnel, Sec
really LaLIels states, but says a plan
will be presented to Congress next
session ror the organization of a COM
petent naval reserve force from the
men wpo receive honorable discharges
from the navy.
The General Board lays great stress
nm ftaes -.
The board" the report says, can
not too strongly urge the repeated rec
concentrations to provide the fleet
with personnel active list and train
ed reserve equal to the manning of
the fleet for war. In the opinion of the
General Board this is a matter of even
more serious import than that of con-
struction for it can not be too often
repeated that ships without a trained
personnel to man and fight them are
useless for the purpose of war. The
General Board recommends legislation
for an active personnel. officers and
enlisted force, capable of keeping in
full commission all battlesnips under
Is years of age from date of author
ization, all deStroyers. and submarines
under II years of age from authorize
ton, half of the cruisers and all gun
baots. and all the necessary auxilia-
ries that go with the active fleet. and
of furnishing nucleus crews for all
ships in the navy that would be used
in time of war, and the necessary men
fer the training and other shore sta
tons"
Secretary Daniels again urges that
the grades of admiral and vice admi-
raj be restored and giving considera-
bic space to the occupation Of Vera
Cruz by United States naval forces
pays tribute to the 10 men who lost
their lives there. The entire record Of
Vera Cruz, the secretary states, is "a
remarkable demonstration of the all
around efficiency of the navy"
The report discusses at length many
other subjects with which the depart
ment has been engaged. including the
manufacture Of powder, investigation
of the cost of armour plate manufac-
ture construction details of new ships.
the anti-wine mess order promulgated
this year, the educational work for en-
listed men for which the secretary ex-
presses great enthusiasm and reports