The New York herald., 1921-02-15
NAVY BILL PASSES
HOUSE WITH BIG
SCHEDULE INTACT
Move to Reduce $90,000,0 900
Appropriation Is Buried
by Heavy Vote.
KEEP 1916 PROGRAMME
Effort to Force Harding to
Call Disarmament Par
ley Also Fails.
SHARP DEBATE ENSUES
Members Of Both Parties See
Danger Of Embarrassing
Next President.
SHARP DEBATE ENSUES
Special Despatch 10 THE NEW York HERALD.
New York Herald Bureau,
Washington, ID. C.. Feb. Il.

New York Herald Bureau,
Washington, ID. C.. Feb. II.
Continuance of the 1916 naval build
ing programme, at least until def
mite agreement on international dis
armament is reached, was approved by
the House to-day by a large majority
in passing the naval appropriation bill.
All efforts to reduce the amount Of
500, ,000, 900 for continuing the con-
struction Of naval vessels during the
next fiscal year were defeated, as was
n proposal to stop all construction
after July / until President Harding
calls a conference on disarmament
The move TO force the calling of the
disarmament conference was offered
by Representative Brooks Ull). and
caused a sharp debate. 1t was de-
feated. 124 TO 30, on a standing vote.
Representative BIanton (TeX) sought
TO reduce the appropriation for new
construction during the next year from
500, ,OOo. 900 to s7.o0o,ooo. but this was
defeated. 2s2 to Q, on a roll call. Voting
with Mr.. Blanton were Representatives
Clark, Huddleston, Mansfield, Jones
(Tex), Quinn and Sherwood, Demo-
Gratis; Keller Independent, and Goody-
koontz. Republican.
Another amendment to reduce the
building appropriation from sso,ooo.ooo
to $50, ,000. 900 was defeated without a
standing vote. II was offered by Repre-
sentative Dickinson Ga.) One amend
ment providing that no new construction
contracts shall be made was adopted.
but this will have little effect on the
present programme.
Leave HardtnG's Hands United.
Although the votes showed large
ma jority for continuance of naval con-
struction. numerous speeches were made
urging that disarmament be brought
about as soon as possible and the gen
eral impression left by the talks Of
several Republican leaders was that
President-elect Harding was giving scri-
Gus consideration TO the proposal.
One of the main reasons for the de-
feat of the Brooks amendment to pro-
called was the belief among Repub-
lcans and many Democrats that such a
proposal might embarrsss the plans OF
Prcsident-elcct Harding. Representa-
tives Madden Gll), Fess (Ohio) and
Kelley (Mlch.) all argued that nothing
should be done by Congress that would
interfere with the Presidents power to
conduct international relations.
Several Representatives suggested
that Congress pass resolution show
ing that II Is In favor Of disarmament
at the earliest possible date, but with
out any directions to the incoming
President. This may be done later in
the session.
Representative Kelley. in charge OF
the naval BILL predicted that If Con-
gress should stop the building pro-
grammc IL would cost almost as much In
damage as to complete the programme.
And personally ] believe we would
be in a much better position TO discuss
disarmament II VIC completed the pro-
gramme." he added. Navy Depart
ment officials have told US that II we
stop work on the least advanced OF the
against the Government for work on
machinery and fabricated parts already
started would be more than s1o,0oo.Oo0
each.
we are now building under the 1916
programme ten battle ships. six battle
cruisers, ten scout cruisers and one fuel
hospital aeroplanc, ammunition. repair
ships, two destroyer tenders and one
submarine tender.
"we arc greatly in need OF battle
cruisers, which are the last word In
naval construction. These ships are
moro than 500 foet long. carry twelve
sixteen-inch guns and attain speed of
thirty-,hrcc knots. with motors Of 1so.-
900 horse power.
Mere suspension Of building or
naval holiday is hopeless and impos-
sible."
Al Others Must Di-nrm.
Speaking for The Brooks amendment