Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1916-01-25
WILSON'S RECOMMENDATIONS TO
BE ADOPTED WITH LITTLE
OPPOSITION.
BATTLE CRUISERS HAVE
RIGHT OF WAY IN FAVOR
Program May Be Changed to suppIant
. Drsadnaushts With smaliers and
Faster Observation-Disclosures Losing
Popularity Among Lawmakers
Naval Supporters United.
Especial Correspondence


washington, Jan. 25.-Altho Presi-
dent Wilson is going to appeal to the
country, In his forthcoming trip, to
back up his program of national de-
Tense, there is at least one part of the
administration program which is not in
serious danger Of being beaten in con-
gress. IA
This is the naval program which the
president has recommended for the
coming year. That is to say, the pro-
gram of construction for the first year
which the president advocated in his
message to both houses Dec. Z.
The present indications are that con-
gress will not cut down the amount of
construction which the president has
asked for for the first year. Whether
1t VIII go on record for the fve-year
program which the president set forth
Is not clear but the indications are
that at least it will stand for liberal
building policy OF over term of years.
President Wilson, in speaking of the
fve-year program of construction, said
it was proposed for the first year to
provide for construction of two battle
ships two battle cruisers. three scout
cruisers. fifteen destroyers, five fleet
submarines, twenty-five coast subma-
rines. two gunboats and one hospital
ship. JI ia.
Hearings In Progress.
Hearings are now going on in the
house naval committee on the naval
bill. The program of construction for
the coming fiscal year is being dis
i, lor
the bill Is reported, as the commit
tee is going ahead with much slow
ness. But predictions Of members Of
the committee are that while the de-
tails of the new construction to be
authorized for the coming fiscal year
may differ somewhat from the con-
struction desired by the president the
aggregate for the year will be as for
midable as that outlined by the presi-
dent.
The little navy men in the house
naval committee will fight tooth and
nail against program Of that mag
nitude. But canvasses of sentiment in
the committee no naval affairs indicate
they will be defeated.
Some of the big navy advocates in
the committee are for more battle
cruisers and fewer dreadnaughts. 1t is
possible that when the1 bill is reported
It WIN be for three battle cruisers and
only one dreadnaught. This, however
would not weaken the offensive power
Of the new ships in the aggregate. In
fact, In the opinion Of many fast bat
tie cruisers would strengthen the navy
more than slower but more ponderous
dreadnaughts. It is said, too, that the
naval committee Will not omit scout
cruisers and destroyers from its pro-
gram. As for submarines, they are
probably more stronger in the favor Of
congress than any other type of naval
craft.
Submarine Loses Grip.
The submarine, it is true, has not
the grip on the imagination Of congress
It had q year ago. One reason for this
is the reputed destruction Of large
numbers Of German submarines by the
English. But this will not prevent
the submarine from getting the back
ing of majority Of congress and lib.
eral provision will be made for it. It is
too easy to say whether the same
numbers the president has advised will
be recommended by the committee but
1t looks as If there would be substan-
tial compliance with administrative
recommendations in this respect.
One of the most noticeable features
Of the situation in congress as to ma
Of big navy are more numerous and
more united than the supporters Of q
large land force.