Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1915-03-16
Secretary Daniels Replies
to Critics of Naval IN
preparedness.
MORE POWERFUL
NOW THAN EVER
Naval Efficiency Subject Of Address
Following Launching of New Super
dreadnaueht Pennsylvania at Now
port News-constant Training and
Practice Has Kept Men and Ships
Fit-Praise For President.

Newport News, Va, March 16.-Sec-
retary Daniels, answering critics of the
unpreparedness of the navy, in an ad-
dress here today, declared that never
before in it's history was the navy in
better shape to fight. He spoke at a
luncheon given in mis- honor, after the
launching of the new super dread
naught Pennsylvania.
There never was time said Sec
retary Daniels, when the navy was so
powerful, so ready, so efficient, as now.
fleet has given so much time to tar
get practice, maneuvers, war games
and practices as the present year. Skill.
modern adaptation, new tactics, are
being carried out day and night. The
motto of the navy of today is Training,
training and more training, practice
and more practice Nothing else keeps
ships and men fit. Today they are fit
and ready"
Secretary Praises Congress.
Secretary Daniels reviewed the pro-
gress of building battlesh:ps and said
the launching of the Pennsylvania was
one of many concrete proofs of the
strength. effectiveness and steady de-
velopment of the navy Of 1915. He
praised congress for providing recently
for an increase in the navy, saying it
showed its wisdom of the value of sub
marines, when it authorized big in
crease of the craft.
mo nation" he said, has placed
such faith in the deadly power of this
undersea craft. Within comparative
5ly short time when our mighty fleet
Hes in Hampton Roads, ready to tra-
verse the ocean, it will be accom-
panied by submarines which can make
twenty knots and send circling thru the
water torpedoes capable Of sinking
the leviathan ships any nation can
construct The Slxty-th!rd congress
had the wisdom to see that the back
bone of any naval fighting machine is
the great ship able to take the ocean
when it is storm tossed
BattIeship Symbol Of Justice.
Secretary Daniels said that he had
been directed by President Wilson to
say for the president that lie was proud
of the new Pennsylvania and hoped it
would never be called on in war to
demonstrate it's prowess.
The hope was expressed by the sec
retary that as the Pennsylvania goes
forth as the symbol of American JUS
tice and power that her mission would
be to help forward lasting peace of
the world.
For" he added "she is the embodi-
ment in effectiveness Of this powerful
nation, which believes in peace but also
believes with Hosea Biglow:
"'Ef you want peace, the thins
you've got to do,
els jes' to show yer up to fightin,
too"
Set Example of Peace.
But tho UP to 'fghtin',' If <neces
sary," he continued, there never was a
timew hen it was SO important for our
country to set the warning world an
example of peace. May we not hope
that the day is not far distant when
the nations al war will solicit our good
offices in leading the way to honorable
peace"
The secretary said that the country
was fortunate in that the mantle OF
patience and peace of the martyred
Lincoln had fallen :lpon the shoulders
of President, wilson to guide the ship ct
state in the present period of peril
and stress. With such pilot, he said,
the nation could look with confidence
to the future.