The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1916-07-20
Declares Preparedness
Press Has Been
Corrupted
MEN FORCED TO
MARCH IN PARADES
Insists L. S. Is Strong
er On the Seas Than
Germany

WASHINGTON. Jaly ?o.-An at.
tack by Senator La Toilette on the
general preparedness progrm as
the product OF agitation by moneyed
interests aided hy the metropolitan
press, prevented a anal vote in the
senate Wednesday on the naval bill.
The wisconsin senator had not
completed his speech when the sen
ate adjourned last night. and did not
indicate how long he planned 20
continue. The general belief. how.
ever. was that vote would b.
reached tomorrow.
Most OF Wednesday was taken W
with an unsuccessful fght by Seua-
tors Oliver and Penrose on the sec
tion OF the bill providing for a 81
900 600 government amor plant
BY a vote OF 81 20 II the senate
defeated a motion 70 strike out the
section, and then voted down, 40
10 Is, the Oliver amendment 10 re-
fer the armor controversy 20 Tho
federal trade commission for settle
ment
Senator Ia Toilette contendAd
vigorously that neither conditions
confronting the nation nor Ihe tes-
timony given before the congres-
sional naval committees warranted
the proposed navy increases.
"A total OF ss44. 600 coo Is The load
that goes on the Blended backs o.
the American people he declared
Why Is this 20 be done? II II is
necessary now, why was II not nee
essary four years ago? You knew
then what was the naval and mill
tary strength OF all Of the foreign
countries. BIZ he interests had
not been appealed 70 then Beth
lehem Steel az 30 was not Bethlc-
hem Steel at $50 The interest
behind this preparedness plan do
not fear Germany or England The
plan merely fits into their imperial
ist schemes"
The senator charged that men had
been forced into preparedness pa
rades under threats OF having their
wages reduced Workingmen IN
Washington. he said. had told him
they marched in the demonstration
for that reason
The larger newspapers OF the
country, he declared. were influenced
BY the advertising OF the Inter
ests" behind the preparedness prop
uganda. TO devote most space 20 The
testimony % witnesses before tho
congressional COMMITTEES who IA
vored preparedness.
a cheap skate OF business man
can get column and half on Tho
front page II he will boost prepared
ness" be shouted. but Gen
Weaver. who speaks against Il. can
not get a line These newspapers
sell their editorial good will along
with their advertising II costs
something 20 say that. but for some
years I have stood ready 20 pay III
price
Senator la Toilette quoted yolu-
from reports OF the com.
ml,tee hearings 20 prove that the
navy IL in better shape than pre-
paredness advocates make Il ap-
pear He insisted that II Is stronger
than Germany navy, and pointed
out that Germany, with a navy
about half az large as England's.
had been able 20 prevent an inva.
sion % her territory.
Senators Oliver and PenrOsc
speaking against The ar-nor plat
plant proposal, insisted that q sim
ply would mean a waste Of money
now that The Bethlehem Steel com.
pany has offered to furnish platea
at a price 20 be set by the federal
trade commission.
1T would be lit'le short 81 Grim.
inal 20 spend the amount proposed
for a plant AZ this time" Senator
Oliver declared
The annual convention % The West