Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1915-06-16

views, in that the reserve fleet was
absent. I was a mere parade not
a mobilization. IL did not indicate the
true condition OF the navy because the
people did not know the whole
truth.
For lack OF men, ships are laid up
.at navy Yards. where they rapidly de-
terlorate, like a vacant house. All
small ships and all cruisers now laid
up Tor lack of men are needed in Mex
lco and elsewhere, and should be
ready for an emergency call to pre-
vent the employment of battleships at
gunboat duty. The complement Of
enlisted men at shore stations and
training stations has been cut down.
with a decided loss OF efficiency; and
greatly TO the discomfort and discom-
fort Of the men,
TO endmerate the ships in the
navy and make list of new ships au-
thorized gives no idea whatever OF the
true condition of the navy as TO It's
readiness for war. Ships without men
are Of little use. and navy without a
policy, and with no we'll considered
organization at the navy department
Will only invite condition of chaos
in event Of war.
THE statement OF Assistant Secre-
tary Roosevelt that we need $4,000
men. Is undoubtedly true The navy
Is deteriofating for lack of men. The
target practice this year is no better
than II WIS ten years ago.
Congress is negligent in not hav-
ing established national council of
defense, a general staff, and an organ
ized naval reserve of 5000 expert
enced men.
In calling attention 10 these de-
fects, | have not done so for the sake
of criticisiEg the present head of the
navy, for although | feel that he must
be held fesns sible for the demoral-
lied condition. OF the personnel, and
the decreased efficiency of the navy
az the present time. yet the lack OF
any definite naval policy for many
years, except in the general board Of
the navy. and the failure Of the peo-
pie and congress TO recognize the ne
eessity for such policy, has placed
rs in position of inferiority, which
may lead us to war, or
cause us great embarrassment, as
Well as discredit to the country.
THE investigation Of our national
defense ana a comprehensive plan for
he future should be an obligatory
matter in our next congress, for the
navy belongs TO the people OF the
country, and they have a right to
<now its condition and how efficiently
[ is being managed. The mere
of vastly increased sums
would not be instrumental in bringing
ibout the necessary reforms or mill |
AIRY efficiency Of the organization, |
hat can only be accomplished by an
nvestgation of actual conditions, and |
/ demand for needed changes in the |
way Of military reforms, which would |
'e forced upon congress by an enlight- |
med public sentiment.
This investigation and knowledge |
las been denied TO the people by the
eaders IF the party in power II is |
leplorable that there should be an |
influence to deceive the people in a
natter Of such vital Importance Wa
laye reached period in the worlds |
history when ii must be recognized /
hat If we are TO maintain peace, and |
afeguard the interests of our people,
We must be prepared to defend our
elves. Let us not forget--as the ma
ion is, 50 also are its raverr aept, its
'nblie It's army and its navy.