Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1919-05-18
MR., DANIELS TELLS
OF YANKS' LONGING
On Arrival in New York Sec.
rotary Says Boys Burn
to Come Home.
NAVY PLANS UNCERTAIN

NEW YORK, May 17-Secretary OF
the Navy Daniels, who arrived here
today on the transport Mount Vernon
declined to commit himself regarding
the proper disposition of German bat
tleships.
Referring to his Impressions formed
during his visit abroad. he said:
Yanks Yearn to Come Home.
1.-THE uppermost thought in the mind
and heart of all our, soldiers across
the sea is a burning desire to come
home. And we are bringing them
back rapidly-2S9.000 were brought
back in April: more than that num-
her will be transported to the United
States in May and in June This will
leave about 100000 American troops
in Europe July l.. and there will be
facilities to return all our soldiers
as soon as the needs of the country
will release men from whatever army
OF occupation may be required
League May Affect Navy.
He declared the Navy's building
program would be carried out in de-
tail unless interfered with by the
provisions of the league of nations
with league of nations he said
there would be no competitive build
ing program
Regarding the merchant marine sit
uation. Mr.. Daniels declared while the
United States should have facilities
which would permit it to trade with
any country. the situation was not
one for the Secretary of the Navy to
discuss. but was the concern of the
shipping board and Congress.
Other Notab1es Return.
Accompanying Secretary Daniels on
the Mount Vernon were Admira
Robert S. Griffin. chief of the bureau
of steam engineering; Admiral David
W. Taylor, chief of the bureau of
construction and repair; Admiral
Ralph Earle. chief of the bureau of
ordnance. and Capt. Percy w. Foote,
naval aid to the Secretary.
The Secretary said he went to
Scapa Flow and inspected many of
the German warships.
Experts had found them excellently
constructed. he said. but mostly built
for North Sea service md therefore
lacking in the bunker capacity neces-
sary for long distance cruising.
He conferred with the admiralties of
all the nations he visited and had the
freest exchange of views. At Wash :
fngton, he said, he would confer i'm
mediately with the American admirals
and with members of Congress in con-
nection with Navy affairs.
Fine Feeling Abroad for q. S.
He said he found the most satisfac-
tory feeling toward the United States
Navy IN all countries he visited the
highest admiration and respect being
expressed for what America through
her Army, Navy and statesmen had
done to help win the war
Upon our arrival at Brest." said
the Secretary. I'VE were received
most cordially by Admiral Moreau
and we had every facility for the in
spection and study of that port
through which the largest number OF
troops have passed.
Regret Huns Would Not Fight.
"I found naval officers in All COIN
tries visited, as Well as in America,
regretting that the German feet
lacked the spunk to come out for a
decisiveY ',navaL battle But they
shoT1ld renehber--and 30 should ali
otheEs-thaf s the tame, -inelorious
surrender of the mighty German feet
was more humiliating than any defeat
could have brought. 49,
We visited Portsmouth and Rosyth
ana Plymouth. great dockyards and
naval bases; our experts took in ord.
nance work, Approximation plants
aviation bases and factories. and
schools where British naval men are
trained to make the splendid fighters
they are. In Great Britain, as in Italy
and France, our conferences with Mr.
Waiter Long; first lord of the ad.
mirafty. and his associates and techni.
cal leaders, were full, freeAand open
and as allies and friends views were
freely exchanged upon snaNaIs con.
struction, naval methods -afidt naya
policies. Our experts went on board
the Hood, the newest and biggest tyne
OF capital ship. and studied its con.
structlon. tss .-.- Be-,
Interest in Aviation Widespread.
T was greatly impressed by the
widespread, interest ins the future OF
aviation wesfound in every conhtry
It received a tremendous stimuli.
from war. and in the near, future al
the nations will make experiments tc
develop Its large and safe use in the
peaceful days that are before us.
we had three thriHingly interest.
ing days in that portion OF Germany
occupied by American troops. TheS
they continue their military opera
lions In drill in tactics, and preserv,
the best traditions of the American
soldier by their bearing and deport
nent. The officers are billeted in ces.
Ties or palaces. the men have com.
able, barracks or billets. and thu
Red Cross and other organizations ar,
ton"
Fruit Escapes Damage.