New-York tribune., 1917-12-10
Annual Report Urges Con-
tinuation of Regular Build
ing Programme
Wants Strongest Sea
Force in the World
$4,000 Officers and 254, 600
Men Now Tread
u. S. Decks

WASHINGTON. Dec. 9.-Thc annual
report TO Congress Of Secretary OF the
Navy Daniels, made public tonight.
calls for an appropriation for the con-
ing year Of S1,O39, 9,G6O,5O2s4, saying
this sum is needed by the navy for the
vigorous prosecution Of the war.
The total appropriations made dur
ing the present year amounted 10
1882. .7S3s59. which, taken in connec-
ton with the $3I2.67S,O7l appropriated
in the act Of August %, 1916. makes
total OF naval appropriations in q
period of n little more t1an year of
81 ,905. .410.9 $50. This exceeds the sum
of all appropriations for the new navy
from 1883 TO 1911.
Authorization Of the regular build
ing programme for the coming year, as
already determined upon, is asked of
Congress, the time Of actual construc-
ton Of the new units not 10 interfere
with the large fleet Of destroyers nov
being constructed. This programme
provides for three battleships, one bat
tle-cruiser, three scout cruisers, nine
feet submarines, two fuel ships, one
transport, one destroyer tender. one
ammunition ship and one gunboat
The programme for naval expansion
and new construction for the future,
he gays, big enough TO assure America
"incompsHably the strongest navy in
the world" will call for liberal appro
priations by Congress and the most
earnest efforts OF those intruSred with
carrying it out.
Summing up the expansion OF the
navy, Secretary Daniels says:
AT the beginning Of the fiscal year
1917 the monthly expenditures for al
naval purposes were about So 900 900
they are now about 1000, 900. On
January I, 1917, there were 800 naval
vessels OF all kinds in commission: to-
Gay there are many more than thou
ard.
"From q force OF 4,5OO officers anC
$4,000 enlisted men in January, 1917
the navy has expanded TO $1,000 Of.
ncers and 254 600 enlisted men, includ.
ing regulars, reserves and national ma.
val volunteers. Further expansions are
inevitable. The navy had $50 stations
OF all kinds on January l, 1917. il
now has 363. The number Of employee
40 regular navy yards in the United
states has increased from about $4,000
20 over 10000. On shore and afoat, in
Guiding civilians and sailors. the nava
establishment embraces more thar
100000"
Naval Forces First in France
The frs. forces, says Secretary
Daniels, 20 land in France for service
against the enemy we're units Of the
naval seronautic corps, which arrived
IN that country early in June, having
been transported on naval vessels.
The Aviation Corps has been greatly
strengthened during the year, and the
supply Of school seaplanes Is now con
sidered adequate TO meet the needs o.
the training stations. The navy has
established its own aircraft factory Al
Philadel lphia, the keel OF the first flying
beat being laid within ninety days after
ground was broken. Five private plants
are now devoted 20 navy work and q
large portion Of two others.
Regarding the increase in the air
craft forces, the report adds
During the present calender year
the ratio OF increase in material has
been approximately 1.400 per cent; the
increase in personnel trained and under
trimming has been approximately 5000
per cent; the increase in stations and
training schools has been approximate
ly 1900 per cent.
The Marine Corps. the report states,
has increased from 344 officers and
9.921 enlisted men 10 1877 officers and
10000 enlisted men, many OF whom are
already in France serving with the
army. A large number Of men who
came into the Marine CCrUs as privatcs