South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1918-12-18

If England persists all well and good America is in
the best of spirits for meeting her challenge if Br-
tain's dominance the seas insisted
Americans have long been proud Of their navy, bat
never than today. OF unbleInished
record in the present war which from the of
British beum propaganda; going the rounds
somebody would like us to forget We stand today
ond in the world in efficiency and with rival
cept Great Britain. and with eye turned her
superiority, if she to force the issue.
Navies as we have before remarked. are largely 4
question of money, and that have. with
coming herself keep going at
gait. and she scratching gravel if that is
bition; that with complete satisfaction
prospect Of going ahead indefinitely increasing
power and size OF that nayy--only if must.
will England Will quite probably hear herself
answered in such tone of the peace tables
If he issue is forced.
well. no doubt to proceed with the completion
Of the threeyear building adopted 1915 he'd
up somewhat by war eNgency. We can do that easily
Turing past years have added some go
submarine chasers" and Al destroyers, and nearly
doubled submarine deet only two battle ships
cen added during this time The five battle cruisers
authorized in 1916 needed particularly TO make
complete. well balanced fleet according modern
standards. have vet started. long as Eng
land persists THAI Dig naves required 10y world
dtons. especially her own too. we have one
will be easy too. accede to the recommendations
Of Secy Daniels and supplement this with another
t1ree-year building program adding 10 dreadnoughts
battle cruisers ether vessels of such type
tre naval experts may determine aggregating 156 in
H. We are so accustomed now to spending big sums
Ter armament that the s6Ooo0O.000 wanted for this
program does nor frghten anybody. The nation can
afford ii.
But the nation had hoped for am early end of arma
ent 1t is natural TO ask now, How much longer shall
build ard maintain such costly aeets?" Wa
ships soon wear ont or grow obsolete Expenses mu-
t,Iy Is there 40 20 no oil
Sec'y Daniels hmself seems hopeful enough. I'm IA
same report in which recommends new construc
ton he SAYS.
The day is distant when the world
viii witness end of competitive building
between nations o. miehty weapons o. war. In
the peace treaty there win undoubtedly be in
corporated Prest Wilson's proposal for a re-
duction of armament to the lowest point
sistent with public safety. Navies be
needed as an international police force to
compel compliance with the DEGREES of
international tribunal which viii be set up 10
decide differences between nations"
Thus he thinks it is the present duty of the United
navy order provide a sufficient
Cefense as long self-defense is necessary and in
order to have navy proportionate wealth and
power contribute 10 a world police feet when the
defensive work be delegated effective League
Of Nations automatically enough doesn't mention
.ugland as lille standing in the way
cad between the lines.
Let us devouty hope that these expectations will be
realized other condition Continued piling
mp Of naval armament be viewed with approval at a
t.me when the thoughts of all mankind towari
reace ard disarmament