The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1916-05-28
DEMOCRATS DEFEND
FIVE CRUISER PLAN
S24O, 100000 All One Session
Should Vote for Navy,
Says Padgett.
SAYS DANIELS rs TICKLED

WASHINGTON, May e7.-Problems with
which the United States will be con-
fronted at tho close Of the war and the
steps in naval preparedness proposed to
meet them furnished the general topic
in the opening debate on the naval bill
Republican members emphasized the
necessity for a etrons navy. pointing to
the possibility OF grave international
complications In the relations OF the
United States with European Powers
growing out OF the struggle for COM
mefcial development, the maintenance OF
the Monroe Doctrine and the solution Of
the Mexican problem.
The naval bill. including the building
programme. was defended by Chairman
! Padgett Of the House Naval Affairs Com
mittee. who outlined the policy followed
by the committee and replied to the
attacks Of the Republican members. who
demand more ships.
Daniels "TickIed to Death"
the building programme had been linn
tied to $3.50. 000, 1000 that IL was a sum
cient amount to be provided at one ses-
sion OF Congress. In response to the
questions of Democrats who wished TO
know n. in view Of the abandon
ment OF the Administrations Ave year
programme. the naval bill met with the
approval OF the President and Secretary
of the Navy Chairman Padgett gave
the impression that both were satisfied
with the bill. He said he had not dis
| CngSe1 the Anhterf with thu praatdapt
but added:
The Navy Department is tickled 20
death over the bill. I have a letter
from Secretary Daniels complimenting
the committee on it's magnificent work. &"
Did not the President" asked Mr..
Farr OF Pennsylvania. in his recent
speech say we were fourth and that he
wanted us to be first?'
He said he wanted us to be first re.
piled Mr.. Padgett. And I believe he
stated we were fourth bu, I thought the
President vas mistaken in his opinion
as TO our navy
II should like to know how often the
President changes his mind on these
questions" Interrupted Representative
Butler of Pennsylvania.
Representative Padeett explained the
motive OF the committee In authorizing
only battle cruisers by saying
In my opinion and in the opinion Of
every naval officer who appeared before
the ommitt without exception. the
battleship has been always, is now and
ever shall be the principal fighting ship
of the navy. 1t is the ship that is fitted
to give and take hard blows In a fight.
But the conditions OF our navy are sucn
as in the opinion OF the committee de-
mand that al this time the policy here
tofore emphasized by Congress Of put
ting forward the construction of battle
ships to the exclusion Of cruisers should
be reversed and that at this time We
should pursue the policy OF building bat
tie cruisers instead OF bat;leships."
As TO the general policy which guided
ia. Authorizations or the uIajoiii, nIr.u-
bcrs of the committee. Mr.. l'adeett said
Il want to submit TO this House III,
proposition that $50, 900 900 for the in
crease of the navy at one session OF
Congress is a sufficient amount IN the
aggregate TO be devoted to the building
OF the navy. TWO hundred and forty
one million dollars is enough 20 ne car
RED in the naval appropriation bill at
| one session OF Congress"