Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1916-02-15
Sixteen Little SubmerSibIes
Are Under Construction Be-
cause Of Congressional Stu
pidity
SMALL UNDERSEA BOATS
GOOD IN SHALLOW WATER
American Navy Is in Better
Shape Now, Says Officer
Than at Any Previous Time
in Its History,

ICY MORNING JOURNAL SPECIAL LeAseo uIRHl
Washington, Feb. 14-While the
house naval committee today contin-
ued its hearings on the navy appro-
priation bill, the military committees
of both houses prepared to begin
drafting the measures they will pro-
pose to strengthen the army. The
military committees probably will be-
gin daily sessions before the end Of
the week in an effort to hasten their
work as President Wilson has urged.
Rear Admiral Grant, the submarine
commander and the first sea duty of
ficcr to appear at the hearing, told
the house committee today that he be-
lievcd the present type of the Ameri-
can submarine should be abandoned
and only larger boats of at least 500
tons surface displacement be con-
structed in future. II was boats of
this size he said which had done the
most efficient work for the German
navy in the present war. The admiral
will be further examined tomorrow.
Holds Same View.
Capt. Josiah s. Mexican. attached
to the office of the chief of operations
as assistant for material, said that
Admiral Grant as to the greater val
ue of larger submarines, other Off
GERS had different views. Chairman
Padgett explained that Rear Admiral
Benson, chief of operations was ono
Of these and would explain his posi-
ton to the committee later.
Captain Mexican revealed that
much Of the navy departments infor-
nation about the German submarines
had come from an american boy who
had served for time upon one of
them in active service before he could
establish his identity and secure inn
munity from military duty. The boy
whose name was not disclosed re-
turned TO the United States as soon as
he was at liberty and proved to be a
valuable source Of information. While
he did not go INTO details. Captain Nc
Kean said experts of the navy had
questioned the youth closely
Wanted Submarines Quickly
Representative Britten, of Illinois,
asked Captain Mexican if the action Of
the department in contracting for six
teen additional submarines two months
ago was not ridiculous in the light of
the information il then had as to the
Of the larger craft
Characteristics of ships are mat
ters determined by the general board,
Captain Mexican replied. He said he
believed it had been thought best to
get as many submarines as possible
constructed quickly, and that congress
had fixed the limit of cost for the six
teen boats, thereby limiting their size.
He pointed out also that for distances
of 800 miles or less the small boat was
fully as efficient, If not more so, than
an S00-ton craft They were impera-
tive for shallow water work, he said.
Representative Brittcn pressed the
witness as to what steps had been
taken to be ready to meet the emer-
sency conditions which seemed to ex-
st.
Hard Work Already Done.
I'VE have made more real progress
IN real readiness, Captain Mexican
said, lin the last two years than in
my previous five-year period in my
experience in the navy | do not think
have ever known time when every
body in the service from top to bot
ON was working as hard with their
1eads and hands to prepare the fleet
'or active service"
at another point Representative
3ritten asked why the department had
lot attempted TO speed up delivery of
ihips now under construction. Cap
ain Mexican said this was Il matter
or the contractors and the depart
nent had little power. If the con-
raetors were penalized, he said. con-
sress always revoked the sentence.
II think your files will show, MIR.
jritten.'' he said, that no penalty has
'ver been imposed upon a contractor
,ut that it was rebated sooner or later
~ act OF congress. They may have to !
yait fifteen years, but they get il
,ack."
Full Report Expected
Representative Padgett put into thel
ecord a report Of the general board ,
year ago, showing the relative fight |
ng efficiency Of various types of bat
leships Taking the Delaware as a ,
toudard Of 100 per cent, he said, the
oregon figures at l3 per cent and the
iew York at f57 per cent Captain
u can said Il report dealing with the
whole subject Of personnel and snip
would be forthcoming
rom the Atlantic fleet ana would an
wer all questions.
A supplemental estimate of $4,000 l.
or the naval militia, making q total
f s3Si,73S for that purpose com
AIRED with $500 appropriated last
ear was submitted to congress today
" Secretary Daniels. The increase is
0 meet the greater mileage and trans
ortation charges occasion by chang
ng the plans for the summer cruise OF
he naval militia the coming summer.
Crisis In traternsl Order.
Aurora, H., Fell ll.--All but one
( the five national officers Of the
ronlen Of America. fralernal insur-