Bisbee daily review., 1917-12-16
WE ARE READY NOW
is WAR SLOGAN OF
UNITED STATES NAVY

WASHINGTON, Dec 15.-To a
young officer, commanding the first
flotilla of American destroyers to
reach the war zone when the United
States entered the world war. Sec
rotary Daniels turns in his annual re-
port, made public today, to find the
war slogan of the naval service Ask
ed by the British admiral to whom he
reported when his ships would be
ready for work against the submarines
after the long voyage, the officer re-
piled:
I'VE are ready now"
That was not the language of boast
ing" Mr.. Daniels says in describing
the incident 1T was the prophecy
and pledge Of our service with those
fighting the common cause
During peaceful years the navy has
been quietly but steadily perfecting
itself to meet the time of war Now
the hour for which il has been prepar-
ing has arrived Our sword is drawn.
and 10 one viii dispute that the blade
is keen and free from rust and its
temper true
while | may not speak in detail OF
the greater naval operations, il may
be stated that the record is one of
increasing power. of developing re-
sourcefulness and OF cooperative
achievement which the American peo-
pie may well survey with national
pride While the details OF what We
have done and how We have done il
must wait until il is permissible TO
spread upon public record. this sum
mary may be given TO our people:
In the navy we have prepared for.
and have met the duties of the pres
ent; we are preparing for and are con-
fident We will be able 10 meet any
call for greater duties. for more exact
ing responsibilities The best way TO
secure enduring peace is TO prepare
Lnceasingly, 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 con-
tinue to do"
For the coming year. Mr. Daniels
proposes a nayl budget of 81 .039, $50
500 which is not itemized in his re-
port In various ways, he says, il will
be necessary to ask for additional
funds as the session Of congress pro-
ceeds. He points out, however, that
appropriations for the last fiscal year
totalled sI,542, 732. $50 for the navy and
for a 13-mnoth period 81, sos. &c, $50
Congress provided literally. he says,
and legislated for the navy with vision
and wisdom
This was done. too he adds. in
the broadcast spirit of national patriot
ism by members of all political part
les"
Striking figures contained in the re-
port showing the war expansion OF the
navy include the following:
Since January 1. 1917, the naval
force has increased from $500 officers
and $1,000 men 70 5000 officers and
$4,000 men; the number OF stations
It all kinds operated by the navy has
increased from $50 10 1853; the num-
Der of civil employees from $4,000 to
$1,000; the strength OF the naval re-
serve from a few hundreds to 1926
men; the average monthly expendi-
lures from 100000 to $50, 900 900;
the number of ships in commission
from little more than 500 to more
than 1000; the hospital corps from
1.600 to 1000; the national naval vol
unteers from zero to 5000 men; the
marine corps from 3i4 officers and s.
S21 men TO 1.197 officers and 10000
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 develop
ing from war conditions, training faci-
lities have been provided for 1855