Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1915-08-28

Boston. Aug. 27.-After a discussion
of the naval and military resources Of
the country in which it was generally
agreed that the United States was not
adequately prepared against foreign
invasion, the conference Of governors
ended it's annual sessions today. No
resolutions on the subject were propos-
ed but several of the executives said
they felt certain that all the governors
would return to their states with the
intention Of demanding from the con-
gressmen support in any program look
ing to Strengthening the nations forces
of defence.
Elect Officers
The governors chose Salt Lake City
as the place for next years convention
and elected the governor Of Utah, Will
liam Spry, as chairman of their exec
utive committee. Other members of this
committee elected were Governor Hen
ry c. Stuart of Virginia and Governor
Arthur Capper of Kansas. Former Gov
ernor John Franklin Fort Of New Jer-
sey was again chosen treasurer, and
Miles C. r. Riley of Madison, Wis,
was reelected secretary. The confer
ence program which had included a
review Of the Atlantic feet and a pa
rade of 1000 citizen soldiers of the
state had led up to the discussion on
national preparedness as a conference
climax. AS a result today's sessions
were removed from the Senate cham
Der to the more spacious hall of the
House Of Representatives. where a
large audience broke into frequent ap-
plause.
RedfieId Speaks
The Governors discussion was pre-
faced by remarks from Secretary of
Commerce William c. Redfield. Speak
ing not in behalf OF administration but
as a member of it, Secretary Redfield
urged restraint of speech and soberness
of thought in what he termed these try
ing times. With that spirit of re-
straint,' he added. should we not be
ready for any emergency of any kind
that may rise? Should we not at least
have the tools ready, not for offense,
but for defense Of our nation?"
Opening Of Subject
An address by Governor Fielder Of
New Jersey formally opened the sub
ject Under the head What should be
the States Duty in the Matter OF Ma
tional Defence" he urged an increase
in the standing army Of at least $4,000
men, with an adequate line Of trained
reserves, and said he felt the states
should be ready at all times to furnish
25o.000 men to this reserve body.
Governor Dunno Of Illinois, agreeing
with Gov. Fielder's every statement. he
said, felt the nations main reliance in a
reserve force might we'll be found in a
requirement that every college and uni
versity receiving funds should give four
years military training to its students.
IF war were declared on the United
States by any Of the principal European
states tomorrow, il. must be admitted our
situation would be a precarious one," he
said.
Referring to the need Of a great sup
ply Of munitions. as developed by the
European situation, Governor Dunno
said that "any great British or German
fleet could take possession or destroy all
means Of manufacturing munitions in
the United States, such plans being with
in radius Of approximately $50 miles Of
New York City,"
Shortcomings Of Navy
The alleged shortcomings OF the navy
were discussed in detail by Henry B.
Quimby, former governor Of New Hamp-
shire. He said he held both the dominant
political parties to blame for present
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