New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-12-09
Attitude Toward the Navy
Is Not To Be AL
tered.
SENATORS EXPRESS
THEIR DISAPPROVAL
Want to Know Why Once
Efficient Organization
Has Weakened.

president Wilson in the message he
read to Congress to-day declared that
this country was ready to defend itself
to the utmost against attack, only 70
suggest a moment or two later the
training of citizens, apart from militia
men, in the use Of modern arms and
the rudiments Of drill and maneuvre.
He also believed it right that the ma
tional guard should be developed and
strengthened by every means.
He paid scant attention to the navy.
He did not say that it was adequate.
He did say that 1--WE have always re-
garded it as our proper and natural
means Of defence" and added, "but who
shall tell us what sort of navy TO
build?" He asked when experts would
tell just what kind of ships should be
constructed and if they would be right
for ten years together, "if the relative
efficiency of craft Of different kinds
and uses continues to change, as we
have seen it change under our very
eyes in these last few months"
He urged the passage Of the ship
purchase bill and the conservation
bills. His programme of business leg
islation was at an end. He believed
the Senate should pass the Philippine
bill and urged economy In appropri-
ations. He referred to rural credits,
but thought such legislation was not
in shape for enactment.
The Senators, the Representatives
and the crowd which thronged the gal
leries of t. House knew the Presi-
dents views on these questions were
purely legislative and waited expect
antlv for his views on the question Of
national defence.
These were not expressed until the
last part of the message was reached,
and they were heard amid a quiet in
which the proverbial pin drop could be
heard. Occasionally there was a round
of applause from the majority side, and
once there was an bathurst of laughter
as the President said I'VE shall not al
ter our attitude toward it because some
among us are nervous and excited"
There were words of disapproval at
& Presidents views among many Of
t Senators and Representatives as
they gathered in the cloakroom. To
them there seemed no doubt that the
President believed interest in national
defence was confined to whether or not
a conscription act should raise a large
standing army similar to that Of the
European governments.
Senator'S and Representatives ex-
pressed the opinion that they did not
want a large standing army any more
than the President did. but they did
want to know what the condition of the
army and navy-especially the navy
was at the present time, in view Of the
many reports that its once efficient or
ganization had been broken down.
O'Gorman for Better Navy.
Senator James A. o'Gorman, Of New
York, a member Of the Naval Affairs
Committee, said:
"We must have a powerful navy.
While the people living in the interior
may not realize its Importance, the
people along the coast, and particu-
arly in the populous cities Of New
York, Boston, Philadelphia, Baltimore,
New Orleans and San Francisco, have
especial reasons for insisting that we
have the protection that can only be
given by powerful navy.
~ believe that whatever economies /.
lre effected in governmental affairs |
the American people will always be in
favor of a navy which can hold off an
enemy and protect our coast line.
within a few years the American
navy has droped from second to third
rank among the navies of The world .
L is estimated that during the year
ust passed it dropped to fourth place /
This is a national humiliation, and its .
cause must be removed. Although .
anxious to maintain peace with all the /
world, this government must be ready /
It all times to defend our traditional /
protect our citizens and safe /
,uard the honor and dignity of the .
iation. II now becomes the duty Of .
, Democratic administration TO restore
,ur navy to its former proud position,
md | confidently rely upon the en-
of the citizens CT Now
fork in the efforts which will be made
o that end"
Representative Murdock, of Kansas,
he Progressive leader, said:
at is the best message so far penned
" President Wilson. But, neverthe-
ess and Notwithstanding, we must get
eady."
Representative Mann, the Republican
eader in the House, said:
"The Presidents message was nota-
lie for its failure TO make any mention
4 the situation in Mexico. The presi-
lent gives no valid reason -or govern
nent ownership of ships. There are
,lenty of ships TO carry our commerce
,ow. but the President advances no
of methods to encourage
ommerce with the great opportunity
,efore il in the foreign trade"
"The President says he is for a big
Iavy." said Senator Thornton, a mem
,er Of the Naval Affairs Committee.
So am |. IT all depends upon what is
meant by big navy. | think we ought
o have four battleships a year and
nore submarines"
"No one has suggested" said Senator
odge, "either conscription or enforced
Military service. That is not the policy
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