The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1921-03-09
Harding and Cabinet on Fifth
Day Face Huge Task.
Some Near Solution BUT Others
Are Hardly Started.
CONGRESS ASKS OUTLINE
Leaders Want Harding's Idea
of "An Adequate Navy"
New Hearings on Naval Appro-
priation Bill May Be Held.

washington. March 9.-COngreS-
siona1 leaders have begun to demand
that President Harding define his idea
of an adequate navy" The presi-
dents references to Americas naval
policy, they say, have only been gen.
eral and before the new naval appro-
priations bill is introduced IN the
house, they wish to know more def
nitely where the~president stands. AL
ready their insistence has brought re-
suits.
Secretary DENLY. it was learned to-
day. will enter this week into a de-
tailed study of the naval bill which
died in the senate with the old con-
gress. He will confer with naval ex-
perts. chiefs of the various bureaus
and prepare summary of the salient
points which he believes should be
included in the new bill.
This report, it is understood, either
will be submitted to the president
after its completion, or will be the out
growth of conferences between Hard
ing and DENLY.
Hold New Naval Hearings.
DENLY intends to review the situa-
ton before the extra session of con-
gress. When the session convenes, the
house will conduct new hearings on
the naval bill.
Members of the house naval commit
tee believe that at that time the new
administration will define its atti-
tude on:
/. The prospects of disarmament
conference.
2. Continuance of the 1916 building
program and the desira bility of new
ships not yet provided for,
8. How the lessons of the war, in
GLIDING the use of aircraft and sub
marines are to be incorporated in our
naval policy.
Ten Big Jobs Ahead.
The Harding administration, now lin
its fifth day. is confronted by ten big
problems.
Some of them are near solution.
Others are being considered today by
the president and his advisers.
withdrawal of Troops From Germany.
The presidant has decided to delay this
move until after the new allied German
crisis is over, lest withdrawal might be
interpreted as a gesture Of friendship to
Taxation and Tariff.
Harding has caused congressional com
mittees to start. to work on taxation pro-
gram: along with Secretary ofathe Treas
ary Meii0h' Railroads.
Before making any decision on the rail
road problems involving claims OF the
roads that they are making no profit . ana
Harding has determined to wait the result
of a congressional investigation. This in
yestigation would be ordered under reso-
chairman of the senate interstate commerce
committee.
Two sets of advice have been placed pc
fore Harding on Mexico He is consider
ing both. One calls for immediate recog-
milton Of the Obregon government without
condition. Another would exact promises
of protection of American rights as a con-
dition for recognition
Separate Peace.
The promise to have the Knox resolution
after Harding took office has met an OBJ
stacle in the shape of the difference be-
tween the allies and Germany on repara-
tons. Harding fears passage, of the meas
ton of our late associates in the war
Merchant Marine.
Harding wants an adequate merchant
marine and will do everything, possible to
encourage one. The details of the program
however, await progress of the new. ship
ping board, which Harding has not con-
| sidered in any definite way.
Navy.
Harding has declared for an adequate
navy. 1t is believed therefore. he will ap-
| prove the further construction Of battle
ships as well as airplanes. He is getting
| data on which to base recommendations SC
congress can get to work on naval appro-
priation which failed last session.
Disarmament.
Disarmament Is the one big question
which Harding has been loath to discuss
| in any definite way. Congressman who
| have said they believed he would call q
| disarmament conference soon after his in
auguratfon today declared they saw nc
| reason as yet to change previous utter
ances. -
Budget System and Economy.
Harding favors the budget system for
government expenditures and will call for
| its immediate adoption in his first message
| to congress. At the same time, he will de-
| clare against opening new fields for gov
eminent expenditure.
Philippines.
Harding does not favor Philippine indie
pendence, according to best indications. He
asked Maj. Gen. Leonard Wood to make 0
study of Philippine conditions and one OF
woods purposes would be to quiet the
| agitation for independence in the islands.