New-York tribune., 1919-05-28

continued from page
Kelley, of Michigan. that the pro.
gramme ureged in Febrauary never wa.
intended as anything more than a
paper navy"-thc theory put forth by
Senator Lodge at the time-was par
ried by Secretary Daniels.
he programme authorized by the
fouse then was to serve notice upon
the nations what the United States in
tended to do if the league of nations
had not been adopted?" Representative
Kelley asked.
"Mr. Kelley can ask questions and I
can dodge them," Secretary Daniels
replied. "There are only two courses
that we can take. If the league of
nations plan succeeds, and | know it
WILL we must end our naval construc-
ton. If it does not we must build a
navy equal in size Of any navy in the
world. Therefore, last December if
the league of nations covenant had
appeared I would not have asked for
such programme. Since it mas been
adopted we ought to show our faith
by not increasing the size of our navy"
Butler Against 1t Anyhow
Gwen if the league of nations had
not been adopted" interjected Chair
man Butler, II would not favor new
building programme. We ought to
have some regard for our people and
their pocketbooks.
OF the 1916 building programme
which the Secretary recommended he
completed, there are ten capital ships-
tour battleships and six battle cruisers
-lhat nave not been constructed. Con-
tracts for two of the battleships have
been awarded and an award will soon
be made for the remaining two. Con-
tracts Tor four of the battle cruisers
nave been given to private concerns.
and the remaining two are. to be built
at the Philadelphia Navy Yard.
When Chairman Butler called unon
Secretary Daniels 20 present to the
committee the programme of new ma
val construction recommended by the
general board the Secretary said:
Il recommended a second three-voor
building programme last Congress. and
the House approved of the programme
and authorized the President to under
take, prior to July, 1920, the construc-
ton OF ten first class battleships and
ten scout cruisers. Work on fonr of
ehese $essels was to begin as soon as
possible.
League Obviares Necessity
"The bill authorized the Sec,etary
to report to Congress by December /
1919. the lessons of the war and
""etner any new types of vessels
would be needed. This provision in
1he Dill also provided that if league
OF nations was created all expenditures
should be suspended.
That provision was placed in tho
Dill before the peace conference had
taken up the league of nations. Since
that time the peace conference has
drafted the covenant Of the league of
nations, in which have the greatest
confidence. 1t is the mcst momentous
document written in 1000 wears. and
as America initiated it we ought to
show our faith and set an example to
the other nineteen nations, represents
ing tour-ffths of the world, by not
at TINS time authorizing this increase
IN the new building programme.
In 1916, when the frs. .hree-vear
building programme was authorized.
the United States made the first move
toward peaceful arbitration Of dis
putes by authorizing the President to
summon representatives Of all nations
to discuss a plan for the peaceful set
tiement of disputes which heretofore
have led to war. This, l believe, was
the first important step toward the
serious consideration of a league of
nations"
Would Save s170,OOO,000
Through the abandonment of the
he suggested in December
an expenditure of S17O,000000, author
lied by the bill as it passed the House,
Will be saved to the country, Secre-
tary Daniels pointed out
"Will the league of nations require
ne United States to do great deal
If policing Of the sea-" Representative
3ritten asked the Secretary.
Just what each nation will do In
his respect and it's policy as to future
naval construction cannot be decided
'ntil our representatives discuss these
questions with representatives. of
,ther nations" replied Secretary Dan
els. II might add that the policy of
III the nations Engaged with us in
his war has bee. TO stop new con-
truction. Lloyd George, with whom I
discussed this matter, is Of this opin-
on, and the large view of all states
men is that the nations that become a
art Of the league of nations should
10 nothing looking toward the
strengthening Of their naval forces un-
il the league OF nations shall have be-
ONE operative"
9 British Suspend Programme
Great Britain has turned out onlv
me fighting ship since the signing of
he armisticc, Secretary Daniels said.
his vessel was the composite ship
lood. He said the general board was
ow considering the adyisability of
composite ship for one
+ fthosc Of the 1916 programme not
ct begun.
Admiral Taylor. chief of the bureau
construction and repair, who studied
ne composite ships in England. de- ..
lined to give his opinion on the ad-
stability Of constructing one for the !;
.merican navy.
Secretary Daniels was asked bv !,
hartman Butler how many first line :.
nips he advised keeping in the line ,
ezt year
seventeen or ninetecn," Secretary (
sglls IL