New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-08-28
Continuous Programme.

continuous fTOEIdHihe'
"But this does not begin to tell the
story of the big things the Wilson
Administration has done TO increase
the navy. For the first time IN the
history of the Republic, Chief Magis-
trate went before Congress and advo-
Gated the new policy of continuing
constructive programme instead OF the
authorization year by year. AS re-
suit of President Wilson's policy, APP
proved by Congress, wide departure
has been made and. by the authorlza-
ton of a three-year programme, the
Wilson Administration has authorized
in addition to the i2l ships enumerated
above. the construction of ninety more
ships. including six dreadnoughts, two
battle cruisers, six scout cruisers,
thirty-seven submarines and thirty
torpedo boat destroyers.
"The total amount for the construc-
ton OF new ships authorized by the
Wilson Administration is $685. ,2S9,SO6.
The total in Roosevelt's four years was
Ss3,l92 93S, and the total during Tatts
Administration was S127,747,113.
1.-THE Roosevelt Administration added
$500 men TO the navy. The Taft Ad-
ministration authorized 1000 men
though Secretary Meyer asked for
only 10000. but only 5000 were
actually enlisted. In the first two
years of Wilson's Administration 5,S24
men enlisted, and increase authorized
is 27,50o."
After quoting figures to show that
the health Of the naval personnel has
improved and that the percentage. OF
assertions has decreased, Mr.. Daniels
continues:
"The navy was short of officers when
Wilson came into Office. Why? Be
cause each Congressman was author
lied to appoint only one midshipman
to Annapolis. In May of 1918 Con-
gress extended the law, which Repub-
leans had let expire, giving two APP
pointments TO each Congressman. This
year Congress has made an increase
so that each Senator and Representa-
tive has three appointments to An
napolis. This is an increase of owe
sci.
Enlisted Men Promoted.
Doors heretofore closed are now
open TO bluejackets. Under new legis-
lation twenty-five enlisted men can now
be appointed annually to the Naval
Academy and qualify to rise from ap-
prentice seaman to admiral. Already
twenty-eight have been appointed. The
present Congress has also appropriated
S3,900,000 for aeronautics and the avla-
ton station, continuing the wise policy
of the 63d Congress, which made the
first specific appropriation (sl,0OO,OOO)
for aeronautics. The larger appropria-
tions by the 64th Congress will insure
a larger expansion. Under Taft SOL
$500 was provided for aviation; un-
der Wilson, S5,217.27S.57.
"The saith Congress has appropriated
81 100000 to build an armor plate
plant, where armor plate can be manu-
featured at a price of $3.50 ton, as
against S454, the price which was be-
ing paid when the Wilson Administra-
tion was inaugurated.
Congress has also appropriated S705,-
Gil toward a projectile factory, to cost
double that sum, insuring an adequate
supply of superior ammunition, not
now obtainable, at cost price. BY OBJ
tanning competition SLOT, 2l0 was
saved on a single contract for pro-
jectiles.
"The Wilson Administration has
equipped, or provision has been made
bv the Gath Congress TO equip, every
navy yard to construct naval craft, and
it will be possible in the future TO Sc
cure more rapid construction Of new
ships for the navy in both private and
public yards.
In no administration OF the Navy
Department has the training of officers
or the preparation Of the feet for batl
tie been cared for so jealousy and
The Naval War College,
where high ranking officers arc taught
and practise problems in the science
of strategy and tactics, had, under Re-