Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1919-01-05
By n. O. MESSENGER.

By n. o. MESSENGER.
N Tow comes the annual contro-
Navy" men and the advocates
of an adequate Navy for the
United States, recurring as every naval
appropriation bill is brought up for
consideration in Congress. 1t will be
Interesting this time, however. to note
whether the lessons Of the war will be
taken to heart by the solons and how
mems judgment may be affected there
by.
VIII the decriers Of naval strength
stop to consider what would have hap
pened to civilization in the first out
burst of Hun savagery but for the
British navy. it is asked. VIII they
reflect upon what might have hap
pened to the United States as the
certain ultimate consequence of a de-
feated British navy? VIII they have
the face to depreciate the value of the
United States Navy when they recall
what was accomplished for the worlds
future safety by their own Navy in
guarding the transport service which
carried two million men over seas and
FED and fueled Europe? 1t is prophesled
at the Capitol that the little Navy men
will sing low, or will have to cast about
for some arguments which do not now
appeal to the great majority in Con-
gross.
One fact which it is thought the
little Navy men may take into con-
sideration is that the 100000 men
who went overseas and who now are
coming back to take their places in
civil life have votes. And they are
going to cast them in the next and
subsequent elections. These young
men, it is said. are likely to have
well defined ideas about naval
strength, to be proud of their own
Navy and not disposed to tolerate
provincial policies of curtailment or
ayen Of hanging back in naval prog
ress.
Proponents Of an adequate Navy
ere said to have still another anchor
TO windward for their arguments. It
10 pointed out that by general agree
nent the country is embarking upon
an enterprise Of a larger merchant
marine, more cargo and passenger
ships TO carry the flag over the seven
seas It will be urged in Congress
that wherever that flag is carried on
the peaceful missions of commerce it
ohalI be supported, il occasion arises.
~ guns and men.
Fortunately. politics will not figure
- the contr0yersy between the little
Navy men and
0uestio1 Il Not the other side
. Politisal One. one one position or
nnether because they are built that
way" NOT because they are demo-
Gratis or republicans. A democratic
Secretary Of the Navy. William G.
whitney. really started the construc-
ti6n Of the modern American Navy;
Jo6ephus Daniels, a democrat, car
1ies on with it. Between them were
alternating republican and demo-
critic administrations, but the Navy
kept on growing.
z The republicans claim to have done
more for the Navy than the demo-
crafs. Well. the republicans were
eftsner and longer in control of Con-
tsoss and Of the appropriations than
~ democrats. The little Navy men.
H the poor, are always with US, and
go have been found among repub-
11nnns a. well as democrts. Division
- been more along geographical
1non political lines, but now there
$500 prospect of abatement Of geo.
anAic provtncialism in the broad
Snfne leaven Of the war and the pride
q thA people in both arms Of their
n1111fAry service.
mt win not the establishment Of
- league Of nations, with dfsarma-
ment, obvi-
f11eue Of Nations ate Tn
Versus Strong Navy. great
nasy, II may be asked? Let me tell
yea something: Up In Congress there
s. slse best feeling in the world about
~ league Of nations. the warmest
v1akoo for the realisation Of the
hsGhsst ideals Of lessened armament
80 III that sort Of thing. but-there
80 . whole lot Of men who are set in
u opinion that a good. strong navy,
wf1A steam always up and ammuni-
10 aboard, is the best preserver of
poa1o ON earth and good will to men
thn4 the United States can possibly
hnvo for some years to come.
Il =
S1oator Kellogg Of Minnesota OPEN
- . new subject for discussion in the
Senate. In
1Gaee Ocean Cables backing up
h Kellogg Program. ton for an
inveskigation and report by the inter-
otn4A commerce committee Of tele-
n1oAe and telegraph control by the