Evening star., 1915-11-09
Mr.. Kitchin and the Navy.

Mr., Kitchin's interview with the
President resulted as expected. He
called an opponent of preparedness,
and left as such. The Presidents 5
explanation of his naval program
failed to convert Mr.. kitchin. 1t is
explained, however, that the latter
will not use his position as leader
Of, the House in his opposition to a
larger navy, but content himself with
expressing his views and recording
his vote as a member OF that body.
Mr.. kitchin expressed the opinion
weeks ago, and still believes. that
the Presidents program will be
adopted by Congress.
Though leader OF the House. Mr..
kitchin will not have charge OF the
question at issue. The naval bill will
be reported by the committee on
naval affairs. and be under the direc-
ton OF the chairman OF that commit
tee. Tint bill will carry the details
OF the increases recommended by the
President. and the debate be led and
guided by Chairman Padgett, who is
in agreement with the President. So
that it will be easy for Mr.. kitchin
to conhne himself in the controversy
to- the limit he has promised. He will
not enter the fight with the object
OF defeating the President. but only
for the purpose OF recording his own
opinion.
London does not often comprehend
american politics. and has again
blundered. Says the Daily Telegraph
OF that city on the subject of our pro-
posed naval preparedness:
I'VE have the spectacle of the
greatest democracy in the world, al
though separated from Europe by
more than 5000 miles. in such a hurry
tor more men of war that it has de-
cIded not even to wait for the les
sons on construction and armament
which the war may teach. Moreover.
this decision has been reached by
party which came into power in op-
position to the Rooseveltian policy
of the big stick and pledged itself to
economy in ornaments"
The democratic party made no such
pledge, Its platform deliverance as
to economy was OF a general char
acter, and foolish enough, it is true.
because founded on misstatement of
the republican record and what the
situation called for. But this is what
was promised as to the navy:
We approve the measure reported
by the democratic leaders in the
House of Representatives for the
creation of council OF national de-
tense which will determine a definite
naval program, with a view to in
creased efficiency and economy. The
party that proclaimed and has al
and was sponsor for the new navy,
will continue faithfully to observe
the constitutional requirements to
provide and maintain an adequate and
well proportioned navy sufficient to
defend American policies, protect our
citizens and uphold the honor and
dignity of the nation"
IT may not be altogether fair to
draw" the Baltimore platform on
the democratic party, the instrument
stands so thoroughly discredited but
whenever quoted or referred to it
should be in correct terms. And it
wall be seen by the plank here quoted
that two years before the European
war broke out and England began
her lawless treatment OF our ocean
commercc the necessity was recog-
nized in this country OF an augmented
and thoroughly adequate naval
power, TO protect our citizens, and
uphold the honor and dignity of the
nation