The Washington herald., 1916-12-24
Army and Navy News
Best Service Column On CITY.

II the United States ever should enter
war again. the munitions plant of the
Bethlehem Steel Company. greater than
the famous Krupp works at Essen, Ger
many, would be turned over 70 the uses
Of this government. Charles M Schwab.
president of the Bethlehem Company. de-
lclared recently in addressing the mem
bers Of the Lotos Club in New York
City.
With capacity of 100000 rounds of
heavy ammunition month, Schwab said
mis- plant was so per cent more efficient
than the Krupp works. He character
lied It as one Of the greatest prepared
ness assets OF the United States.
II am an optimist," he said, speaking
of peace. Some see disaster IL peace
comes, but look upon peace as a bless
ing, and should rejoice in It II II came
But we want conclusive peace and not
peace which VIII merely presage an
other war;
Admitting that the United States in
dustrial world is to meet strenuous COM
petition when peace comes, Schwab said
he felt this country would be able to
meet any competition. and urged a great
er American marine as one OF the means
of meeting foreign competition.
As an impetus to American shipping,
the steel man suggested that American
NtoScis pC klNCh tO"eT IOII rate IN Ine
Panama canal than foreign vessels
Schwab announced that the Bethlehem
Company had made plans for the erec-
ton Of a &.600.000 plant for building I6-
inch guns for the American navy
Preparations are completed for one of
the most elaborate Christmas celebra-
| tions the American army has ever held
outside the United States, according to
wnrd raNafyAd af he
from the field headquarters in Mexico.
Organizations will be relieved from all
except necessary work during the holi-
day season.
Thousands of presents from Red Cross
and anonymous senders have reached
the troops. and 1t is expected that no SOL
dier in the expedition will be overlooked
In the distribution of gifts Christmas
night.
Details have been chosen from various
regiments TO decorate the Christmas tree,
and members of the Twenty-fourth In
fantry have been assigned to the task of
barbecuing two beeves. chorus of 100,
which will sing carols and patriotic
songs. is rehearsing.
/ The pine tree. which will be illuminated
Christmas. Is in place, and with the fla g
pole at its top. will rise eighty-hve feet
in the air. The tree was brought thirty
the camp by motor trucks eighteen of
which were used to carry Christmas
greens to camp.
Comma nder Ralph Earle is being con-
graduated by his numerous friends on
his appointment as chief of the Bureau
of Ordnance of the Navy Department,
with the rank of rear admiral. The NOM
ination has been confirmed by the SEN
ate.
The new bureau chief, who has been
inspector of ordnance at Indian Head
proving grounds, Maryland. succeeds
Capt. Joseph Strauss. returned at his own
request to sea duty. in command Of the
new superdreadnought Nevada.
Rear Admiral Earle was appointed to
the NavA Academy from Massachusetts
In 1892. He is, an expert on ordnance.
having served as inspector of powder
on the east coast. ordnance officer of he
new battleship Maine, head of ordnance
department in the Philippines. member
of the board of naval ordnance, and In
charge of Indian Head.