Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1919-12-12
Daniels Says War Mas Great Boon
For The Navy.

lncompafsbly stronger and more eff
cient than ever before. the American navy
emerged from the world war second only
10 that Of Great Britain and far in advance
Of any other foreign navy in ships, in men.
and every element Of strength" Secretary
Daniels declared in his recent annual re-
port
With IS capital shipS-l2 super-dread-
nouehts and six giant battle-cruisers I'm
der construction, all representing the last
word in naval construction. and several
superior to any fighting vessels now in
commission. the navy is pressing for
ward to greater things" Mr. Daniels said.
Recommendations by the Secretary for
the betterment Of the service included:
Extension Of the course at the Naval
Academy to FIVE years so the midship-
men may spend one year afioat as enlisted
men.
Immediate enlargement Of the naval
establishment on the Pacific coast to take
care Of the new Pacific feet
Temporary increases in pay Of officers
and enlisted men and increases in amounts
allowed for Communication or quarters and
other allowances.
Government control Of wireless commu-
nication.
Expansion Of the naval air service and
continuation Of the present policy Of
separate air service for the navy.
Construction Of new buildings. includ-
ing a new memorial chapel at the Naval
Academy.
Change Of the names OF the Bureaus Of
Navigation and Steam Engineering to Per-
sonal and Engineering Bureau, respectively.
Mr.. Daniels made no recommendations
as to an annual building program, explain
inc that the recommendation Of the Navy
General Board were under consideration
and that estimates would be prepared soon
for presentation TO Congress.
The actual cost Of the navy TO the ma
ton during the war was placed by the Sec
Rotary at $2.962. 100000. During the
next fiscal year. he said. the navy's needs
will be. approximately $57313l.254. or
approximately $40.000.000 less than the
sum asked for during the present fiscal year.
Commenting on the construction records
during the war. the Secretary said that
during the IL months ended last October
1, i59 vessels Of all classes were completed
for the navy. These included 1903 des-
troyers, one battleship. 80 submarines and
So Eagle boats. A world record for des-
troyer construction was made. the Secretary
said, In the building Of the Reid at Squsn-
tum, Mass, in As working days.
Discussing the proposed radical depar-
ture in the training Of officers for the navy
Mr.. Daniels declared that mo officer can
command so well as the man Of ability
and knowledge who knows every character
of service from polishing brass to the high
est strategy and tactics" He added that
a wears training as an enlisted man would
proye invaluable 10 every officer and that
heretofore commissioned officers had no
actual sea going training in the duties Of
enlisted men except an incidental knowl-
edge acquired during short summer cruises
Mr.. Daniels devoted much Of his report
20 q review Of the work Of the navy during
the war and in foreign waters since the
signing Of the armistice. He declared that
the remarkable performance Of the navy
In transporting troops. particularly in bring
Ing the army back to the United States,
was the outstanding wartime achievement
OF the navy.