The Washington times., 1915-07-09
Liberal Appropriations Are Ex-
pected for Both These Arms.
America Behind Europe.
NAVY NOW AWAKE TO NEEDS
Daniels Holds Back Program.
Wilson Probably Will Decide
Regardless Of Advisers.

When Congress tackles the army and
navy problem next session. there VIII
be two phases of it on which. according
to indications. there will be much moro
unanimity than on other phases.
These relate to airships and suoma-
riDes.
Liberal appropriations are expected IN
both these directions. The United
States is In reality the home OF potn
the airship and the submarine. and
though the navy had not gone far with
either until a short time ago. and the
army not far with the airship, there Is
reason, 1t Is declared, why American
brains cannot easily compete with the
world in their development.
Congress last winter showed dis
position to make up for lost time in re-
spect Of the airship and the submarine.
1t is expected hereafter to deal with
these two subjects with energy and lib
erality.
Short of European Standard.
1t will take time for the army and
navy to develop aerial warcraft and
for the navy to equal in the develop
ment of the submarine the success OF
European powers.
Announcement that an aero squadron,
including eight aeroplanes, a score OF
officers trained in aviation, and ninety
or more enlisted aviation experts, who
have been at the army aero school at
San Diego, will be sent to Fort Sill to
undertake flights under service condi-
tions, indicates that the military au-
thorities are bestirring themselves.
The army is in far better shape in re-
spect of aero development than 1t has
ever been.
The navy is giving increased alton.
the belligerent navies have shown the
need of its Improvement here. As for
the submarine. high navy officers have
been astounded by the achievements OF
the U-boats since the war opened. Sec.
retary Daniels made it plain In a recent
speech at the opening Of the Naval Wal
College that he had been impressed
Congress Expected To Dictate.
Not only has the Navy Department
lately shown signs of reforming II,
ideas as to the submarine, but there
is every reason to believe that Con-
press will be called on by the Navy
department to appropriate more heav-
ly than hitherto for submarine deveI-
opment.
1t is said to be probable that Con.
sress will take the bit in its teeth IN
this matter and appropriate freely
whether the Navy Department recon-.
mends a big appropriation or not. Many
members of Congress who are unwiil.
ing to give a dollar for a dreadnaugh,
take the view that the submarine ought
to be provided for and that II this
country is we'll equipped with subma
rines it will be practically out OF the
question for an enemy to invade the
United Statcs.
Politics May Govern.
Secretary Daniels is holding back tn.
naval program. as it will be recon-
mended to Congress, until the last min
ute. He and his advisers desire tc
pe guided by the lessons Of the Euro
pean war. One of the big questions II
the future of the superdreadnaugnr
Another Is defense against submarine
attacks. The demand Is great 10
swift cruisers. such as other grea
navies have. In the end. the form tn
construction program will take. a.
recommended by Secretary Daniels. vii
depend on the President rather thai
on naval advisers, and on the viey
the Administration takes of what tn
politics of the situation demands.