Norwich bulletin., 1916-07-18
COMMITTEES RECOMMENDATION
ALMOST SURE OF APPROVAL
EXPECT PASSAGE TO-DAY
Amendments to Delay Construction
and to Create international Peace
Tribunal TabIed-America Has Not
One Friend Among All the Nations,
Says Senator Lewis.

Washington, July 17.-Discussion Of
the Naval building programme in the
senate today brought out indications
that the committee recommendation
for construction of Is capital war
ships within three years. eight of them
in 1917, probably would be approved
without material amendment Admin
istration leaders hoped tonight to pass
the bill before adjournment tomorrow
Peace Measure Tabled.
Such opposition as developed today
came from both sides of the chamber.
Senators Thomas and Vardaman (dem-
ocrats), and Senator'S Works and Nor
ris (republiCans), leading the attack
on the building programme. Both
democratic and republican leaders de-
tended 1t, however, and amendment by
Senator Norris to delay construction
Of any of the 16 capital ships until aft
er the close of the European war, and
after failure Of efforts to create an
International peace tribunal, was ta-
bled, IS to Il.
In support Of his amendment Sena.-
tor Norris declared the bill provided
Tor expenditure Of more money for
naval construction in time OF peace
than was ever spent by any nation in
the world, despite the fact that 'it is
very probable that before this Europ-
eNn war is over the United States
without the construction of a single
ship, will have the greatest navy in
the world.
Charged Congress With Hysteria.
Senator Vardaman declared congress
was yielding to hYsteria, and caution
ed against expenditures Of such vast
sums for armament until the coun-
tryS cool, normal judgment could be
consulted. Senator Norris opposed
the construction Of so many big ships
and urged them submarines and air
craft would be sufficient protection
for nation which does not Contem-
plate offensive warfare. Senator
Works predicted that passage Of the
naval bill would mark a change in
military policy that would overturn
the peaceful spirit Of America.
Borah For Preparedness.
Senators Lewis (democrat) and Bo-
rah, Weeks and Kenyon (republicans)
spoke in favor of the measure. Sen
ator BOrah urged that if the United
States was to enjoy the blessings Of
peace it must convince the world it is
prepared for war
Let use serve notice on the ma
tions of the world" said the Idaho SEN
atOr chat while we love peace and
cOVet their regard, our friendship can
not be purchased at the price of Amer
ican Citizens.'
Japan's Entrance Into War.
Senator Lewis urged that the people
be told the frank truth about foreign
relations so that they would demand
an adequate navy. He pointed out
Japan's entrance into the present war
for the purpose of ousting Germany
from the Far East, ana inquired if any
one believed that "She would not en-
force against America what she en-
forced against Germany and would
call upon her present allies to help
her in a war against the United
States"
Have Offended All Nations.
America today has not one friend
among all the nations of the world" ,"
said Senator Lewis. We have of
Tended all from their point of view.
We have severed all from our point
Of right. Let us go to the people of
our country with our reasons for this
extraordinary preparedness. Tell them
we move forward because we must in
order to Iive.'