The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1915-12-19

number ~ navy yards. but No, y single
naval base with adequate facilities for
docking. repairing and rsplenIrhIng u
considerable fleet with the rapidly
which would he essential In time ~
war
outside OF Germany has been al insult.
fcient supply Of arms and In the case
OF Russia. This has resulted In a re-
treat Of Its army from an adv nee we'll
attended into the enemy's countr far
back into the interior Of their country
our shortage Of torpedoes and mines or
modern construction. as we'll AZ certain
kinds Of ammunition. Is al open secret.
IL this want Of foresight TO be overcome,
or IL the old policy to be continued
Education 81 Pubnc.
"lf the defence movement throughout
the country IL to bring practical re
suits the public must be educated as
TO what steps are actually necessary.
The real danger is that as q result, OF
this agitation Congress will only
quicken the pace by increasing the
appropriation in order to enlarge the
building programme and then continue
the policies which we have been fur
thcring result of which has been
ar unbalanced feet. unseaworthy SUBJ
TluTlHeS. IHnuTneThDiS anu Unnecessary
naval stations, shortage of ammunition
and personnel. and an archaic organiza-
ton In the Navy Department at Wash
ingtou.
THE fundamental defect Of the Navy
Department 10 that IL has no brain. no
competent military organization charged
with the preparation OF the fleets for
war n with their conduct in war. and
In consequence the navy Is being built
md l,,,t,tat Dr.l 49, IN a. Ias.. ..l
IL not being efficiently prepared for wal
service In this respect 1t differs from
the admiralties of all other navies, whose
energies are directed by a thoroughly
educated military stan. The leading
officers of our navy have for years
continuously advocated this essential
organization, but Congress has always
refused TO grant II. 1t should be
clearly understood that even though
Congress were TO appropriate for a
navy az large and as we'll built as that
OF Great Britain and to supply Il with
the necessary number of officers AMI
men 1t could not be- used efficiently
against n powerful enemy unless 1t had
in time Of peace been supplied with a
directing brain. a general stan. to equip
Il for war and train Il for war duties.
\ naval campaign Is a great anne with
tho sovereignty OF a country at stake.
and like all other victory between
equal forces will he decided by superior
training.
Must Look 10 Navy.
Unless the presen. agitation arouses
Congress- TO such action as will get at
the basic troubles little will b. accom-
plished In the way OF real preparedness.
Our people must not be deceived into
the belief that all II coins on cell az
to the navy. Increased appropriation
may quicken the pace but without suf-
ticient personnel little would be ac-
compllshed. because ships without men
are Of NJ value. nor will we ever get
fun military value for money expended
until the direction Of when and how
the money Ia to be expended IS decided
by the naval experts and not by civilian
members OF a naval committee, most OF
whom are naturally ignorant of military
requirements.
IT is recognized universally that this
country il free from attack except by
sea. Therefore, In case Of war we must
look 10 our navy to preserve the
sovereignty OF our nation and our tHsti-
tutions. II Congress authorizes a re-
organization OF the administration of
the navy and maintains well bala need
heets commensurate with our require /,
For the invasion OF this country over
seas cannot be effected in the face OF
a strong and we'll prepared fleet. That
IL why the shores OF England have al.
ways been safe and Will remain safe"