The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-07-25
Tendency of Rampant Milf tarists Is to Recede From
 Position Already Taken
DENT TO FIGHT ALL
 EXTRAVAGANT PLANS
Hay Will Have Splendid Aid in the Services of the Alabama Congress- man in Cutting Down Appro-
 priations in the Army Bill
By HUGH. W. RoBEkTs.

Washington, July 24.-tSpeclal' When the present war clouds. now drifting away, are entirely removed from the American horizon, what then will the people of the United States think of the extensive military and naval preparations which. at a cost of ss44. 100000. will have been entered upon and completed?
 "That the democratic Administration was the most extravagant in the hfs- tory of the country" answers Senntor Underwood.
 As a matter of fact, at the tail-end of the session, there Is a noticeable tendency on the part of congressional "mlitarists' to recede from their for mer position. It is a declaration that can be made in safety: That had not the party already committed itself to an extensive military and naval pro- gramme, 1t would not now undertake such programme It is a statement that can be made in comparative safe- ty: That were this other than presi- dential year, steps already taken would be in part retraced.
 SENATE'S WAR SPIRIT
 Said Senator Clapp today re-
 garding the naval reorg ganization
 bill: We are going into the mad
 race of militarism, and at the
 same time, we adopt a solemn
 declaration that we look with ap-
 prehension and disfavor on the
 general increase in armament. It
 is travesty that will be received
 with 8 sheer and smile of de-
 rision throughout the world-and
 will force other nations into
 greater militarism."
 In the Senate. the war spirit" is apparently rampant. The House, in en- acting the army appropriation bill, provided s7o,oo0,ooo more than had ever before in this nations history been provided. The Senate. receiving the bill in committee, added .sTAs. .2s5.ooo The House appropriation was in- tended to cover every item of expense liable to be incurred under the army reorganization bill. It was entirely sat- isfactory to the President of the United States But the Senate was evidently imbued with the Hobsonesque idea that belligerent nations are preparing to assail the United States, and wipe this country from the face of the earth.
 OVERMAN TO DENT
 Said Senator Overman to Represent tative Dent, soon to be chairman of the House committee on military affairss "The House conferees must strike from the Senate amendments the bulk of ex- traordinary extravagance." Representative Dent replied: eve will certainly endeavor so to do" It was subsequently, affirmed by Rep lresentative Hay. still chairman of the House committee on military affairs, that he had information from the war department that machinery could not be devised in the course of one year by means of which to spend the $780, 100000 which the Senate would appro- priate for the requirement of the army.
 THE FUTURE VERDICT
 But when the work in detail is com pleted when the world everywhere is at peace, and when the prospect of an American embroglio Is not more cer- tain than the day of the resurrection. what then will the people of the United States think of the era of alleged ex- travagance?
 Or when after 10 years have elapsed, and 1t Is again possible that this na- tion might be dragged into war. what will the people think when informed that the result of present preparation Is entirely anticipated?
 Will the verdict be as Senator Un- derwood thinks-that this administra- ton will be regarded as one excessively exfraya papt1