New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-03-28
Admiral Tells Committee
German Fleet ExcelS
by 2 to |.
ONLY ID SUBMARINES
READY FOR WAR
Naval Constructor Urges Need OF
Fleet OF Seagoing Under
water Craft.

Washington, March 27.-With the ex-
PLANTATION that "he hated 10 say 1t.
Rear Admiral Bradley A. Fiske, ex-aid
for operations, told the House Naval
Committee to-day that in fighting
strength the United States Navy was
only about half as strong as Germany's.
He discussed the subject reluctantly,
but expressed the opinion that, all
things considered, two 70 one would
not be very far away" in an estimate
Of the comparative strength Of the Ger
man and American fleets.
The rear admiral declared that the
navy vas not getting value received for
money expended, and was only about
IS per cent OF what it should be under
better system OF administration.
Rear-Admiral Fiske explained that
differences with Secretary Daniels over
the measure Of preparedness he be-
lieycd necessary caused his resignation
AZ aid for operations, and asserted
there were no personal disputes.
Fourteen Submarines Available.
Naval Constructor Emory s. Land
testified that including boats nearly
complcted and FIVE at Panama. fourteen
submarines could be made available for
war service Immediately or within thir-
~ days. OF the eighteen submarines
of the Atlantic feet, he said thirteen
were available. Construction OF large
seagoinc submarines Of the SOo-ton
type was strongly urged by Constructor
Land.
Larger submarines were advocated by
Constructor Land. lie said navy experts
generally favored a medium-sized boat
of about 500 tons. 225 feet long with
q snecd Of from II 20 10 knots on the
surface and about II submerged
England. Germany, Austria and
France all have this type OF boat Sald
tho witness. Italy, Japan and Rus
STA arc also supplied Italy has aban-
doned the smaller boat, and is now
building boats from $50 to 900 tons
lie explained that the new sea-goinG
submarine Schley had not entirely
uassed the experimental stage, and that
the navy had not developed an abso-
lutely successful type Of boat
Even if these boats are experiment
tai. that is no reason why we should
stand pat, when every other nation in
the world is building the larger type,
ne added. recommending that all OF the
submarines Congress authorizes this
year be Of the S0O-ton type.
Thirty Days TO Equip.
During the last war game. Mr.. Land
said, the percentage OF seasicknets
among the submarines crews was from
40 TO 90 per cent. He said living con-
ditions aboard a submarine presented a
serious problem.
REPRESENTATIVE Butler wanted TO know
the exact condition OF the United States
submarines, explaining criticisms OF
them was general.
"Can they be used now, tomorrow
or next week." he asked.
Some Of them can" was the answer.
"Thr four l. boats would be available
in thirty DAYS. In an emergency we
might ret two other l. boats, and pos
sibiy the MI. The X boats also are
available"
Altogether on the Atlantic Coast in
GLIDING Panama, the constructor SAID,
fourteen submarines now are ready, or
could be made so in thirty days.
Representative Butler pressed the
witness for real straight story Of
the condition OF our submarine feet"
ITS as good as can be expected, the
result Of conditions that have grown
I'D in years past" answered Mr.. Land.
Assistant Secretary Roosevelt will be
heard tomorrow, and with the testimony
OF Secretary Daniels probably Wednes-
day or Thursday, the committee Will
close its hearings.