Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1916-01-18
DEFENSE PLEA
CROWS LOUDER
Congress is Beginning to
Feel the Pressure of
Public Opinion
MORE MAY BE NEEDED
Opposition and Indifference Toward
Administration Program Yielding
to Preparedness.

Washington, Jan. lS-Congress i:
beginning to feel the pressure of pub
lie opinion in favor of national de-
fense policy that will place the Unit
ed States in position of security
and compel respect for the rights OF
this country at home and abroad
During the early days Of the pre-
sent session of reaction against the
preparedness program of the Admins
tration was evident in both branches
of Congress. Even the delivery of
President Wilson's message failed to
arouse the enthusiasm for a greater
army and navy than seemed necessary
to carry the program through.
There is even now measure OF
doubt as to the ability of Admins
tration leaders in the House and Sell
ate to pass all the measures which the
president has championed, but If SELL
tment throughout the country mani
tests itself strongly enough, the de-
fense plans will be enacted in some
reasonable adequate form.
A few days ago. Secretary Garri-
sons continental army scheme seemed
doomed, and larger appropriation
for the organized militia appears
slated to take its place No reason
exists for the hope that short
term enlistment for the regulars will
be provided by the House Committee
on Military Affairs. Only Il short term
of, say two years, will make a reserve
of discharged regulars of any consc-
quence.
The navy program will not suffer
such far-reaching emasculatlon as that
for the army. 1t seems reasonably
certain that appropriations for -four
capital ships will be made. Opinion Is
divided as 10 whether there
should be two dreadnaughts and two
battle cruisers, as recommended; three
battle cruisers and one dreadnaught.
At all events. the outlook is favorable
for four big fighting ships, and it is
not unlikely that the various factions
will finally centre upon two vessels OF
each type.
As already stated. however. public
opinion must assert itself if Con-
gress is to grant all or near all the
money for defense purposes that the
Administration asks. The probability
of getting more than has been recon-
mended vanished long ago, and all
efforts on the part of preparedness ad-
vocates are being concentrated upon
plan submitted by the Administration
as the literal maximum now possible
to get.
There are signs, as just suggested,
that the widespread feeling of anX-
iety over the state of the national
defense is being REJECTED more and
more in Congress. Since the holidays
the opposition to larger military
and naval budget his nat been as mill
tant as prior to that time, and a
more liberal view of the situation is
being taken by those who have here
tofore been in favor of only nomi.
nal increase in the military and ma
val establishments.
Such declarations as that before the
National Civic Federation yesterday
will have an important effect upon the
course of legislation. Suth Low, presi-
dent of that body and former Mayor
of New York. declared solemnly that
strength of arms is the only means
whereby this country may guarantee
its safety. This important address
coming from a ron-political and whok
" disinterested organization. will