Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1916-07-20
Wisconsin Radical Declares
Agitation for More Adequate
National Defense Is in In
tereSt of Money Power
FIGHT ON ARM0R PLANT
FAILS BY BIG MAJORITY
Feature Of Debate on Naval
Building Program Is SenSa-
tIooaI Speech Opposing Ap-
priatiOn Carried by Bill,

Washington, July I0.--An attack by
Senator la Toilette on the general
preparpdness program as the product
of agitation by moneyed interests,
aided by the metropolitan press pre-
vented a final vote in the senate to-
day on the naval bill. The Wisconsin
senator had not completed his speech
when the senate adjourned tonight,
and did not indicate how long he plan
ned to continue. The general belief,
however, was that a vote would be
reached tomorrow.
Most OF today was taken up with
an unsuccessful fight by Senators
oliver and PenrOse ON the section of
the bill providing for a $1,000, ,0h0
government armor plant BY vote Of
81 to Il the senate defeated a mo-
ton 10 strike out the section and
then voted down. - to l6, the oliver
amendment to refer the armor con-
troyersy to the federal trade commits
sion for settlement
Says Increase IL Not Needed.
Senator la Toilette contended Wig
OrOusly that neither conditions con
fronting the nation nor the testimony
given before the congressional naval
committees warranted the proposed
navy increases.
"A total of $844, 900, 00O is the load
that goes on the bendcd backs of the
AmerWan people" he declared why
is this to be done? If IL is necessary
now, why was 1t not necessary four
years ago? You knew then what the
naval and military strength of all the
foreign countries was. But the in
terests had not been appealed to then
Bethlehem Steel ut 40 was not Beth
lehcm steel at $50. The interests
behind this preparedness plan do not
fear Germany or England, The plan
merely fits into their imperialistic
schemes"
The senator charged that men had
been forced into preparedness parades
under threats Of having their wages
reduced. Working men in Washing
ton, he said had told him they march
ed in the demonstration here for that
reason The largest newspapers Of
the country, he said. were Influenced
by the advertising Of the Interests
Iehlnd the preparedness propaganda,
10 devote most space 10 the testimony
of Witnesses before the congressional
committees who favored preparedness
"A cheap skate of business man
can get column and a half on the
front page If he will boost prepared
ness he shouted, but General Wea-
ver, who speaks against it, cannot get
line. These newspapers sell their
editorial good will along with their
advertising. 1t costs something to say
mat but for some years | have stood
ready to pay the price"
senator La Toilette quoted vOlumi-
nousN from reports OF the committee
hearings 10 prove that the navy is in
BETTER shape than preparedness advo-
Gates make it appear. He insisted
mat 1t is stronger than Germany's ma
Wy, and pointed out that Germany
with navy about half as large as
insIand's has been able to prevent an
INVASION of her territory.
Senator's oliver and Penrose, speak
ing against the armor plant proposal,
insisted that it simply would mean a
waste of money now that the Beth
Iehem Steel company has offered to
furnish plate at a price to be set by
ihe federal trade commission.
1t would be little less than Crimi-
nal to spend the amount proposed for
Fl plant at this time Senator oliver
declared.