Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1920-03-13
a League or Armament

THE Secretary Of the Navy has given con-
1 crete warning to the nation that II must
either join the league of nations and unite
with the other powers Of tho world for the
preservation Of peace, or else reconcile itself
to heavy armament. 1t must entrust inter-
national interests and relationships to a con-
cert Of governments or build a navy as big
or bigger than any in the world and main
tain an army which will adequately meet
every issue OF the future.
The testimony which the secretary SUBJ
mtted to the House Naval Affairs Commit
tee may not have been designed to impress
upon the country and Congress the possible
ties for peace Of league Of nations. but it
has had that effect nevertheless. Mr.. Daniels
has shown that If a league had come into
existence to which America might give its
adherence, it would be unnecessary for the
Navy Department 10 consider new build
ing program, which is to cost hundreds Of
millions of dollars.
In such event. all that would be re-
Quired Of this government would be a navy
rounded out by few vessels of minor con-
sequence and Il little balancing OF the fleet to
bring its efficiency up to high point. With
that accomplished the United States would
run no risk. under league OF nations, OF
pcrils which may lie ahead. There would be
no armament competition. 1t would be foolish.
he argues, under such circumstances, to lay
down a program for 'incomparably the big
gcst navy in the world. =
But through the obstinacy of a hostile
Senate. America has been kept from mem
bcrship in league of nations Other pow
ers have Joined that association OF govern
ments, but resourccful Senators have made
ii impossible for this country to unite, even
with its late war associates, to outlaw war, to
outlaw ornaments, to outlaw great standing
armies and to outlaw irresponsible nations
which would resort TO arms for the settle
mcnt of grievances. The United States. be-
cause of the Scnatc's stand, must. for the
time being consider itself independent
alton. II is removed from ce-sceking
alliance with other nations.
AS independent nation it must arm
itself for all possible cventualitics. Mr. Dan
iels declares that it must build and maintain
Il powerful navy. il ii stays outside the league
Of nations. 1t! must tax itself year after year
and more and more heavily 10 pay for the
security which it must have. formidable
army must be maintained well. a big
navy, however strong or efficient it may be. is
not enough to safeguard isolated America.
Thcrr must be two lines OF defcnso-the navy
10 hold the first and the army to hold the
second
The testimony OF Secretary Daniels has
brought straight homo tho country the
whole issue involved in the proposed league
OF nations. With such ii league as the peace
conference at Paris sought to found, dis
armament would have logically resulted. Ma
lions, longer fearing each other and no
longer apprchcnSivc over what might happen
if another Germany should run amuck, might
turn their attention and their resources from
preparation from possible war concentrating
both upon the achievements OF peace.
II may be assumed that legislators, as they
approach the question of 100000, 900
naval program, wondering how the
country will receive the information that the
ultimate defeat Of the league means heavy
armament. and heavy armament means heavy
TAXATION. not for four or five years, but for
generations