Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1915-06-15
eiamss Present ADMINISTRATION For
Failure to Keep Navy on War Foot
ins-Laek Of Definite Policy For
Many Years Places Nation in Posi-
ton Of lnfsriority.

of comprehensive policy OF natlohaA
defense, lack Of general public knowl-
edge Of the navy's condition, reduce
ton Of compliments of some ships to
man other and newer ships and gen.
eral unpreparedness on the part OF
many battleships and other lighting
units were enumerated as instances OF
naval inferiority. Mr.. Meyer said. IN
part:
"Of the thirty-three battleships we
have only twenty-one that are ntteo
for service without long delay.
Furthermore, we have about seventy
miscellaneous fighting ships not pre-
pared for service in case OF emergency.
I'VE lack battle cruisers, airships ana
armed aeroplanes.
sour submarines are in crippled
condition.
The complement Of all torpedo de-
stroyers has been reduced from 10 70
25 per cent to get men to commission
new boats. This reduction in personnel
is serious handicap, reduces the eHl-
cheney Of the destroyers, affects con-
tentment, and prevents the boat De-
ing kept in good condition.
1.-THE Atlantic feet alone needs o'ooo
more men.
THE reserve fleet at Philadelphia
was largely depleted in order to get
a crew for the Alabama when she was
ordered to Hampton Roads to ENFORCE
neutrality.
.uThe review in New York this year
was a poor imitation OF previous re-
views, in that the reserve was absent.
1t was a mere parade. not mopiiiza-
ton. 1t did not Indicate the true con-
hon n9O0l0
did not know the whole truth.
Ships Lack Mem.
"For lack of men, ships are laid up
at navy yards, where they rapidly
deteriorate, like q vacant house. All
small ships and all cruisers now laid
IN for lack Of men are needed In
Mexico and elsewhere, and should be
ready for an emergency cali to pre-
vent the employment Of battleships at
eunboat duty. The complement OF en-
listed men at shore stations and train
ing stations has been cut down. with
decided loss OF efficiency; and greatly
To the discomfort and discomfort OF the
men.
$40 enumerate the ships in the navy
and make a list OF new ships au-
thorixed gives no idea whatever OF the
true condition Of the navy az to It's
readiness for war. Ships without men
are Of little use, and navy without
a policy. and with no well considered
organisation at the navy department
will only invite a condition OF chaos IN
event of war.
..rhe statement Of Assistant Secre-
tary Roosevelt that we need $4,000 men,
is undoubtedly true. The navy IL DE-
teriorating for lack Of men. The target
practice this last year Is no better
than it was ten years ago.
CONGRESS is negligent in not having
established national council OF de-
fense a general stan, and an organized
naval reserve Of $4,000 experienced
men.
"1n calling attention to these defects,
have not done so for the sake OF
criticizing the present head OF the
navy. for although I feel that he must
be held responsible for the demoraltzed
condition Of the personnel, and the de-
creased efficiency Of the navy at the
present time, yet the lack OF any den-
mite naval policy for many years. ex-
cent in, the general board of the navy,
and the failure Of the people and con-
efess to recognize the necessity ZOE
such policy, has placed US in a posi-
ton Of inferiority. which circumstance
NAV lead us to war, or cause US great
embarrassment, as well as discredit 70
the country.
.srhe investigation Of our national
defense and q comprehensive plan Tor
future should be an obligatory matter
n our next congress, for the navy be-
longs to the people of the country, ana
thew have q right to know its condi-
l4inn and how It IL being managed. The
mere appropriation Of vastly increased
snnns would not be instrumental IN
bringing about the necessary reforms
or military efficiency OF tho oryahiza
ton. that can only be accomplished by
an Investigation Of actual conditions,
and q demand for needed changes In
the way Of military reforms which
world ne forced upon congress by an
enlightened public sentiment
."This investigation and knowledge
has been denied to the people oy the
leaders Of the party In power. It Is
deplorable that there should be an
influence to deceive the people IN
matter OF such vital importance. we
have reached q period in the worids
history when It must be recognizeo
that II We are to maintain peace, ana
safeguard the interests Of our people.
We must be prepared to defend our
selves. Let US not forget-as the ma
ton IL, 80 also are its government, It's
public, Its army and its navy. So 80
Hamilton Heads Simpson College.
Indianosa, Tune 15.-Dr. w. y. Hans
ilton. who for more than thirty-nve
vearv has been associated With Sinp-
non College, wasa appointed by the
board q 20 - !.