The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1917-12-10
I'VE ARE READY NOW"
TAKEN As SLOGAN
They Were the Words Of Young Officer
Commanding First Flotilla of the
American Destroyers to
Reach the War Zone

|
war zone when the United States entere
the world war, Secretary Daniels turn
in his annual report, made public to-day
to find the war slogan of the naval serv
ice. Asked by the British admiral T.
whom he reported when his ships fwoul'
be ready for work against the subma
rines after the long voyage, the Office
replied:
I'VE are ready now"
"That was not the language of boast
ing" Mr.. Daniels says in describing tn,
incident. 1T was the prophecy ant
pledge of our service with those fighting
in common cause.
During peaceful years the navy has
been quietly but steadily perfecting it
self to meet the time of war. Now the
hour for which it 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 | may not speak in detail OF
the greater naval operations, it may be
stated that the record is one of increas-
| ing power, of developing resourcefulness
and of cooperative achievement which
the American people may well survey
with national pride. While the details
of what we have done and how we have
done it must wait until it is permissible
to spread them upon public record, this
summary may be given to our people.
in the navy we have prepared for,
and have met the duties of the present;
we are preparing for and are confident
we will be able to meet any call for
greater duties, for more exacting respon-
sibilities The best way to secure en-
during peace is to prepare increasingly,
night and day, for the winning of the
var, whether it be long or short. This
we have done; this we are doing and
this we will continue to do"
For the coming year Mr.. Daniels pro
poses naval budget of 81 ,039, $50, SOP
which is not itemized in his report. In
various ways, he says, it will be neces-
sary to ask for additional funds as the
session of Congress proceeds. He points
out, however, that appropriations for the
last fiscal year totaled 81 ,542, 1872, S59 for
the navy and for l3month period ST.
905, 4l0,930 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 patriotism by
members of all political parties.
Striking figures contained in the re-
port showing the war expansion of the
navy include the following:
Since Jan. !, 1917, the naval force has
from $500 officers and $4,000
men to $4,000 officers and 254,000 men
the number of stations of all kinds OPP
Grated by the navy has Increased from |
1870 to 1868; the number of civil employees |
from $4,000 to 10000; the strength of |
the naval reserve from few hundreds |
to 1926 men, the average monthly ex
penditure from SS,000,000 to $60,000,000; |
The number Of ships in commission from !
4 little more than 800 to more than
900; the hospital corps from 900 to
600: the national naval volunteers from
zero to 10000 men; the marine corps
rom 344 officers and 1921 men TO JOY
,fiicers and 10000 men. In addition to
his and to the vast orders for material
placed, the expansion of the air service
ind to many wholly new activities de-
'eloping from war conditions, training
ABILITIES have been provided for ll3,650
|
,ther regular service schools.
For the first time, the secretary does
lot make public the report of the gem
raj board of the navy. His synopsis
# the boards work shows that it has
,een of most confidential character
nd the report is withheld for that rea
on. Mr. Daniels says. This report is the
sual source Of the future building pro-
ram of the navy The secretary con
ents himself this year, however, with
recommending that the remainder of the
hree year program already approved be
including three battleships,
ne battle cruiser. three scout cruisers.
inc feet submarines and number of
uxiliary craft.
The secretary asks that the permanent
nlisted personnel be increased to 10000
lue jackets, 10000 apprentice seamen,
900 men in the trade schools and 1000
Or the air service For war purposes he
SKIS that the figures be 10000 blue
lckets. $4,000 apprentices, $4,000 in
-ade schools and 10000 in aviation.
Mr.. Daniels again emphasizes his feel
y that promotion should be made on
re basis of merit throughout the navy
nd that the fetish of seniority be
from admiral to ensign"
e recommends that the selective system
,w be extended to the staff as well as
lie line. He also expresses the convic-
on that every candidate for admission
the Naval academy should be COM
lied to serve year before the mast as
enlisted man before entering the
hool.
The report declares that the inter-
anges between the naval services of |
e allied powers and the navy have
en- particularly frank and Free add /
q that this partnership of democratic
tions will yet ENSURE lasting peace.
says that when the call came, the navy
pplied gunners and guns for merchant
aft without an hours delay.
The report touches on the various ma .
| conferences attended by American !"
icers but adds nothing to what is =
own of the questions taken up or de
ions reached. Throughout the lengthy
the secretary is careful to
old any statement that might be of
-vice to an enemy. ID
The secretary pays tribute TO the ma
lie corps, which has lived up to its best
editions, he says, as will be shown
len the war is over. The marine regi- =,
mt in France, he says, will soon be con ar
erably augmented in its service with
neral Pershings army. III
Development of naval aircraft has been %
narkable. the secretary says. due ca
gely to the success of the Liberty mo- BY