Evening capital and Maryland gazette., 1915-09-04
NAVY BOARD RANKS
BATTLESHIPS FIRST
Submarines Not Paramount, is Ex-
pert's Advice to Secretary
Daniels.
STRATEGIC PLANS READY.
Submarine Base at New London
For More Battleships.

Secretary Daniels viii discuss with
President Wilson next week the ques-
tion of a naval program TO be recon-
mended to Congress. The SECRETARY
returned yesterday from a trip along
the New England coast and authorized
the statement that he would report TO
the President next week on the subject
of naval policy.
Mr. Daniels has received from the
General Board of the Navy what may
be termed the general statement of
what that body considers necessary 40
make the navy adequate 10 meet the
task il would confront if the nation
should be involved in war with a first
class Power. This report does not con
stitute the boards annual recommen-
dations as to building program, but is
quite similar to its yearly report
1t is understood that the report dis
cusses I'm detail the consideration of
policy and the phases of the situation
upon which it bases its recommends
tions for increases in the navy just
as large as the public revenues will
permit. The document Mr. Daniels Will
present to the President, as il repre-
sents the best qualified expert advice
called for in the Presidents letter to
| the Secretary. 1t is presumed that the
President will keep the report and sue
il in his discussions with members Of
Congress with regard to the legislative
problem Of national defense
1t is known that the experts of the
General Board and the experienced Off
GERS of the naval service generally, do
not agree with the more or less popular
belief that submarines are paramount
and that battleships are virtually obso-
lete. On the contrary, it is understood
| that the board while recognizing the
peculiar value of submarines as an
auxiliary force, lays special stress in
its report on the prime necessity of
building more heavily armored and
armed ships of the first line. This has
been the policy of the board for years,
and the officers now composing that
| body have not vet seen anything in the
war in Europe to convince them that
| the command of the sea will not still
/ be won and retained by the Power hav-
/ ing the largest number of the most
powerful fighting ships, other things
being equal.
1t is a fact, however, that though
| Secretary Daniels has laid great stress
on the popularity of submarines and
their usefulness, the General Board
| recommended and Congress provided
/ fer more submarines last year than Mr..
Daniels asked for. A growing sent-
/ I,. ra1 OF
GERS, however, in favor of the United
States adding to its construction fast
| ships capable of delivering heavy
blows The United States navy has
never been IN favor of the battle cruis-
er and the vessel now suggested is not
exactly OF that type.
1t is purposed to build a vessel which
shall have the speed of a scout cruiser
or battle cruiser, and a certain num-
Der of the 14-inch guns, such as are
carried on dreadnaughts. These re-
quirements, of course, make it essen
ltial that such vessel shall carry fewer
guns and lighter armor to obtain the
high speed desired Details of this sug-
gestion have not yet been worked out,
and il is probable that not until next
November, when the General Board
will make its final report, viii it be de.
cided whether the construction of one
or more vessels of such a type shall be
recommended.
! Mr.. Daniels is maintaining his deep
interest in submarines. He announc-
ed yesterday that it was his intention
TO proceed with the plan Of making the
L 90, 81 4
base for submarines operating in
northern waters. 1t is not intended to
supplant the submarine bases in south
ern waters, but only to relieve the
Inorthern navy yards of the task OF
caring for submarines as well as for
the big ships OF the navy.
| There is a berth space for $50 subma-
rines at New London, in the opinion o.
Captain Grant, chief of the submarine
division of the bureau of operations
who is working out the details of the
new plan. The navy vii have large
additions TO its submarine flotilIa with
in the next eighteen months, and one
reason for the creation of a base al
New London is the necessity of making
some provisions for the new vessels.
New London is regarded as a highly
desirable location, as it is within few
hours of New York; is well sheltered
and convenientIylocated with regard e
the summer drill grounds off Narragan.
sett Bay.
1t is the intention of the Department
to build no docks at New London Tn,
submarines will be sent to the bi,
} yards for important repairs, but vii
not have to go to the yards for re
newal Of supplies and the making o.
minor repairs.