The Washington times., 1914-12-10
DANIELS ENDORSES
: RESERVE FOR NAVY
Secretary Tells House Commit
tee There Is " Danger Q
ConfIagration."

HOLDING out the hope OF an eve'.-
tual agreement among nations to re
duce their ornaments, but maintain
ing that meanwhile the United State
must keep up its bodybuilding pro
gram, Secretary Daniels was a wit
ness before the House Naval Affair
Committee today.
Secretary Daniels expressed the b.
lief and confidence that the United
states would not become involved IN
the European cIlict, but he warned
that there is always a possibility OF
becoming involved.
'T take it that the President will
keep Us out OF trouble said Secre-
tary Daniels, but with fire all around
US, there is danger of GONNA grafton
Delicate questions are continual.
arising"
A trained naval reserve, consistin-
of men who have served their enlist
ment period, Dut would be availalIl,
tiremeut to pirate life, was the chic
recommendation, in addition to the nay-
al increase, made by Secretary Daniels
today
with such a reserve system p
sad. we could man completely every
EhtinS ship il the navy within t"'
GAYS"
Has Definite Policy.
Secretary Daniels asserted that the
navy now has enough men to man all
The ships which should be in commits
sion.
\ split between the civilian Secretary
and the general board of naval experts
over the question OF policy was en-
Dhasized when Congressman asoperts
OF Massachusetts, insisted that there
was no definite naval policy in the
Navy Department, and clted a repoI
Of the general board to this effect
We have definite poncy, retorted
Secretary Daniels. our policy is tor
TWO battIeships year
And the general board has recon-
mended four a year since 1898 saic
Congressman Roberts.
That is correct" replied Secretar!
Daniels.
Mr.. Roberts read from the general
boards report saying there was TO
naval policy either in the executive de-
nartmeuts Of Congress, and that the
absence of such policy had placed THIS
nation lin a position OF irferorlly
which NAV lead TO war, and this IN
feriorfty is progressive, and VIII con-
tinue 10 increase until we have def
mite policy"
1nOuRnl hSpoIl Oh"ASS'
Secretary Daniels was asked il he in
so-sed this statement contained in the
annual report he sugmitted last June
In included it in the report only for
Huformation." he replied. Il did not
.ndorse il. 1 thinkfi the criticisms OF
congress in that report of the board are
INV sc. l published IL, not because
.ndorsg it. but merely for your lnloT :
n hApT7 a
u-tiuite naval policy.
Are we Inferior" asked Congress
man Roberts.
We nave fewer ships that England or
Germany. but l do not call that in
fcriority although the general board
NAV have used the word in that sense
ships me 49, .-,.-,,-,.,.
may lead to war;
What is the policy of the Navy De-
artmenL IL II has any?' asked Con-
FRESHMAN Roberts
The policy Of the department is Tor
-vo battleships a year and the policy
+ the general board is four battle
-nips-'
Explains Message.
CONGRESSMAN Butler asked Secretary
70. niels 10 explain that sentence in the
I'resident's message reading: our
arcv will not be for an occasion
4 understand the President intends a
ley which means that the steady de-
'opment Of the navy should go along
ay as il has in the past. He meant
at no emergency would cause US 10
-e any hysterical action. ! believe he
-.-d the world nervous
He favOrs going along IN an or
10 ~ N
.swerful It is not intended because
here is a war in Europe that We
r1uld change our policy and build loo
lbuarires and 50 battleships in
no with the cNtrayagant demands
ON some folks"
Keep On Building"
secretary Daniels was asked If this
..auntry would not be in a better
-.sition to propose disarmament
4tte- the Suropean war IL ii does not
.putiuue 10 build, itself.
/ think we should keep on building,
id Secretary Daniels. Il think j
Uuld be unwise for Us 10 act today any
Fffgrent than We would If there Were
1 war We should carry on our regu-
r.. normal building program. IT would
d great mistake because we hope
..r peace TO stop building ourselves
=. have a powerful navy, and the navy
.s be kept powerful must be added TO
Congressman Butler asked If Secre.
+ry Daniels expected to see disarma-
mt come.
4 hope and believe there Will be ar
gYeoment for a reduction IN arma.
tents" he said, but 1t will not be
ought about by any one nation
Secretary Daniels emphasized the need
~ naval reserve OF approximately
- On men,. and said that the Mexican
.flztfOn had demonstrated the posi-
.rIities Of such a reserve.
During the Mexican trouble he
lid. my office was deluged with ap-
.|.catious from former sailors who
..auted 10 volunteer. II was d most
.ratifyiug spirit"
Secretary Daniels will continue his
.stimOny al the late afternoon session
of the committee.