Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1921-01-13
Says Great Navy
Only alternative
For Disarmament
Daniels Tells Congressman Proposal
to Make u. S. Sea Power Less Than
Strongest is Unworthy.

Washington, Jan. IL An in
ternatioaal agreement with all, "or
practically all, the nations which Will
guarantee an end of competition in
v-building," was presented as the
only alternative to the building by
the United States of a navy power
full enough ssto command the respects
and fear of the world,' by Secretary
Daniels in testimony today before
the .aouse naval affairs committee.
The naval secretary, who appeared
before the committee in connection
with its consideration of the subject
of disarmament, dismissed as un-
worthy of discussion. a third pro-
posal for an American navy less
than equal to the most powerful sea
power in the world because it is a
waste of money to spend money on
an agency of war whicl would be
helpless if needed.
"In presenting his views to the
committee, Mr.. Daniels took occasion
to outline the advice which he would
give to President-elect Harding
should be asked for council on
l.aval matters. This advice took the
form of a suggestion that Mr.. Hard
ing, Immediately upon his Inaugural
ton, invite the nations of the world
to meet with representatives of the
United States in a disarmament con-
ference. Authority for such action
was given by the naval approprla-
ton act of 1916, the secretary said,
adding that if President Wilson
should cali conference it would be
impossible for him to make recon-,
meadations before tlis term of office
expires"
League Of Disarmament.
"If President-elect Harding should
do me the honor to ask my advice
on the subject" declared Mr.. Dam
iels, 81 would unhesitatingly say to
him:
" IF the United States is not to be-
come at once member of the league
of nations / believe some plan should
be adopted at once to secure an
agreement for reduction of arnla-
ments. You will have the authority
to call suc.1 conference. You can
act on March. and hasten the COM
ing of the day when taxpayers OF
this country and of all countries may
be safely freed from the great bur-
dens of the war preparations. Until
that conference secures world agree
ment let there be no cessation in
building the ships authorized by Con
gres."
Characterizing the "naval holiday"
between the United States, Great
Britain and Japan provided for in the
pending resolutions introduced by
Senator Borah, of Idaho, as "a half
way measure" Mr.. Daniels reiterated
his. opposition to this country enter
ing into suct an agreement.
"A naval holiday for one year or
any period is like applying a poul-
tice when surgery is needed de-
clared the secretary. ut is little If
any better than the suggested half
way agreement between the United
States and two nations which have
treaty of alliance. An alliance linn
tied to the United States, Great
Britain and Japan would make for
suspicion and distrust and would be
followed later by a counter entene of
nations jealous of what they regard
as an Anglo Saxon and japanese ALI
ance to dictate to the world.
HOLIDAYS MERELY REST.
"Holidays indicate O cessation from
work for a brief period with view
to returning to the old job when the
holiday is over" Mr.. Daniels AIDED.
sThe only wise course is to end
competitive navy building, not for one
year or five years and not for few
nations, but for all time by nations.
The time is ripe for securing such an
agreement now and would consider
it a serious mistake to fail to embrace
the opportunity for permanent pol
icy of reduction by accepting, in its
place a substitute in the form of "a
terminable and unsatisfactory holi-
day. The world is asking for no play
time but for serious business"
Secretary Daniels told the COM
mites. that in his ANNUAL report OF
1913, and in each succeeding report
he had proposed an international con
ference to end competitive naval con-
struction
Il stand today where, stood il
1913, when / was called a. little navy
man, declared the secretary, fol
international action or a navy secont
to none in the world. This country
would demean itself by advocating
navy second to any nation on earth.
Acting Secretary Davis, of the statt
department, told the committee, whef
asked his views regarding the SINGER