South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1915-12-11
MUNIT|ON PLANTS
FOR j. s. PROPOSED
Sen. CumminS Introduces Bill
to Build an Armor
Plate Factory.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 11.-Legis-
lation was proposed in the senate
Friday providing for the national
ling of the manufacture of all mu-
nitions for the United States govern
ment. the erection of a government
armor plate factory and for the
establishment Of a council OF ma
tiOnal defense.
Sen. Cummins OF Iowa in a reso-
luton upon which he viii address
the senate Immediately after the
holidays, proposed the nationalist
ton Of all military works for the
general government His resolution
declares that the profit incident
TO the manufacture and sale of war
materials has a tendency to corrupt
public opinion, disturb international
peace and prevent a peaceful settle
ment of disputes between nations;
that it ought TO be made impossible
for any person or corporation TO
make money out Of war"
Safest for Government.
It further declares that the gov
eminent should for its own safety
and protection manufacture all
arms, ornaments and munitions OF
war for the equipment, construction
and use Of the army and navy TO
the end that it may be independent
of individual or corporate interests"
His resolution provides for the APP
pointment by the president of the
senate of a committee Of five men,
bers to examine and report on these
matters:
First-The most feasible plan Of
acquiring or constructing manufac-
turing plants Of sufficient capacity
to supply the army and navy with
all arms, armament an munitions
of war, including ships and their
equipment.
Second-The probable cost Of
such manufacturing plants taking
| into account both present and flu
ture military needs.
Third-The proper locations for
such manufacturing plants.
Fourth-The necessary legislation
to prevent either persons or cor
/ porations from continuing such
/ ton should take effect.
Sen Cummins said he has been
making speeches along this line in
! the west and his views have been
| endorsed by the people. He said
| ne believes in preparedness and that
the government should be prepared
/ to prepare. He said he wanted TO
! know Just what degree of prepared
ness the people wanted after the
| influence of those interested, one
way or another, in the manufacture
of war materials has been eliminat-
| ed. Under such conditions only, he
| contended, the real sentiment OF the
country could be obtained, and I'M
der such conditions only, he in
sisted could the government put
| itself in a position where it could
prepare for what might be believed
to be the necessities of the nation.
For National Council.
Sen. Chamberlain introduced a
bill creating a council of national de-
Tense. TO consist Of the secretary Of
state, as president, the secretaries of
war and navy, the chairmen Of the
senate and house committees on for
eign relations, appropriations. mill
tary and naval affairs, the chief of
staff of the army, an officer Of the
navy not below the rank of captain,
to be designated by the secretary. the
president of the army war college
and the president OF the naval war
college.
This council would be required TO
make full investigation of the sub
ject of preparedness and report TO
the president for transmission TO
congress, a general policy Of ma
tional defense and thereafter make
such recommendations as il shall
deem necessary.
Sen. Tillman introduced his armor
plate plant bill. 1t authorizes and
directs the secretary Of the navy to
erect a factory for the manufacture
of armor plate. having a capacity of
10000 tons a year and not to cost in
excess OF $1,000, 900 This sum is
made Immediately available so there
need not be a days delay in begin
ming construction after the bill be-
/ q "A