The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1917-12-10

Washington. Dec 9-To a young officer. commanding the first f1otilla of American destroyers to reach the war zone when the United States en- tered the world war. Secretary Dan- iels turns in his annual report, made public today. to find the war slogan of the naval service. Asked by the BHitish admiral to whom he reported when his ships would be ready for work against the submarine after the long voyage. the officer replied:
 we are ready now."
 'AThat was not the language of boasting,1 Mr. Daniels says in describ- ing the incident. "It was the prophecy and pledge of our service with those fighting in 8 common cause.
 During peaceful years the navy has been quietly but steadily perfect ing itself to meet the time of war. Now the hour for which 1t has been preparing has arrived. Our sword is drawn, and no one will dispute that the blade is keen and free from rust and it's temper true.
 While I may not speak in detail of the greater naval operations. 1t may be stated that the record is one of increasing power. of developing re- sourcefulness and of cooperative achievement which the American people may we'll survey with national pride. While the details of what we have done and how we have done 1t must wait until 1t Is permissible to spread them upon public record, this summary may be given to our peo- pie:
 Tn the navy we have prepared for, and have met the duties of the pre-! sent; we are preparing for and are confident we will be able to meet any call for greater duties. for more ex- acting responsibilities The best way to secure enduring peace is. to pre- pare unceaainsIy. night and. day, for the winning of the war, whether, it be long or short. This we have done; this we are doing and this we will continue to do." F3
 For the coming year, Mir. Daniels proposes a naval budget of $1,03s.- 66O.602 which Is not itemized in his report. In various ways, he says, it will be necessary to ask for additional funds as the session of Congress pro- ceeds. Hs points out however. that appropriations for the last fiscal year totalled $1s54s,TS2,S5s for the navy and for a thirteen month period $1.SO5, ,410,9S0. Congress provided liberally, he says. and legislsted for the havy with vision and wisdom. 2
 .AThis was done, too." he adds, Gin the broadeat spirit of national patri- Otisn by members Of all political par ties.''
 Striking figures contained in the report showing the war expansion of tEH navy include the following:
 Since Jan. 1, 1917. the naval force has increased from 4,500 officers and 6gs000 men to 15.000 officers and 254,- GOO men: the number of stations of all kinds operated by the navy has increased from 1sO to sss; the num- Der of civil employees from S6.000 to 60sO00; the strength of the Naval Re- serve from few hundreds to 4s,- 24s; the average monthly expendi- ture from $s,00O,0oO to $6o,0oo. 900; tho number of ships in commission from a little more than 800 to more than 1000; the hospital corps from l,6O0 to 1000; the National Naval Volunteers from zero to 16,000. the Marine Corps from 344 officers and 9,921 men to 1.1ST officers and 3o.ooo men. In addition to this and to the vast orders for material placed, the expansion of the air service and to many wholly new activities developing from war conditions, training facili- ties have been provided. for 113,650 men exclusive of the Naval academy and other regular service schools.
 For the first time, the secretary does not make public the report of the General Board of the Navy, His synopsis of the boards work work shows that 1t has been of a most con- fidential character and the report il withheld for that reason. MT. Dan- iels says This report is the usual source of the future building program of tie navy. The secretary contents himSeif this year. however, with recommending that the remainder O1 the three-year program already ap- proved be authorized, including three battIeahips,. one battle cruiser, three ccout cruisers, nine fleet submarines and number of auxiliary craft.
 The secretary asks that the per. manentI personnel bel increased tc 129,00Ds bIuejackets, 10000 appren. tice seamen, 1000 men in the trade schools and 4,000 for the air service For war purposes he asks that tn, figures be 1sO.000 blue jackets, 24,00t apprentices. 14,000 in trade schooll and 10000 in aviation.
 Mir. Daniels again emphasizes hi feeling that promotion should be mad, on the basis of merit throughouth tn, Navy and that the fetish" of sen iorfty be abandoned, from admiral t, ensign" He recommends that the SC lectfve system now be extended to tn, staff as well as the line. He als, expressess the conviction that ever, candidate for admission to the Maya Academy should be compelled to serv, year before the mast as an enlisted man before entering the school.
 The report declares that the inter changes between the naval services Q the Allied powers and the Navy hav been particularly frank and free,' adding that this partnership of dem ocratic nations will yet 'insure last ing peace" It says that when the cal canle, the Navy supplied gunners an, guns for merchant craft without al hour delay.
 Ths report touches on the yariou naval conferences attended by Ameri cangofficers, but adds nothing to wha Is known of the questions taken up o decisions reached. Throughout tn lengthy document the secretary i careful to avoid any statement tha might be Of service to an enemy.
 The Secretary pays tribute to tn