The New York herald., 1921-07-31

opectot Oespofcb 10 The NEW YORK HERALD.
New York Herald Bureau,
Washington. ID. c., July 30.
The movement in the House to check
or slow up the construction Of four
big batleships pending results of the
disarmament conference by refusing
to increase the limit of cost of the
vessels will be opposed by tie Navy
Department, and II necessary by
President Harding, 1t was learned to-
day.
The Administration believes 1t would
be foolhardy for the United States to
slow up It's naval programme when
Great Britain and Japan are speeding
up theirs in advance of the conference.
1t is understood that the recent
statement Of Secretary Of the Navy
DENLY that the construction pro-
gramme as contemplated should be
carried out until 1t is determined
whether a disarmament agreement can
be reached was made with the full
approval Of the President.
Due to increased cost Of materials In
recent years the Navy Department has
found 1t impossible to complete six
battleships without the limit Of cost be-
ing increased. Two Of the six. Mary
land and California. already have been
virtually completed and the previous
limitation exceeded. Legislation increas-
ing the limitation thus Is necessary be-
fore the Treasury Department will
honor vouchers to pay the additional
amount to contractors.
The group In the House which believes
naval construction should at least be
slowed until the results of tho disarma-
ment conference are known. may oppose
the increase Of limitation on the two
vessels. but this move probably will be
unsuccessful
However. an amendment providing
that the limitation Of cost on the other
four vessels shall not be exceeded Is be-
ing prepared. This. II passed. would
prevent a slowing UP Of construc-
ton work. the department thus be-
ing forced to postpone part of the
work until prices drop to a point where
the vessels can be built within the
original limitation. Some members also
are talking Of another rider which
virtually would stop all construction
work.
The bill increasing the authorizations
for the Maryland and California prob
ably will be up in the House on Tues
day, but legislation affecting the other
-, Il &.~ ~ at,.c
Committee. No additional appropriation
is necessary to continue work on the
vessels as this is being paid for out OF
an appropriation Of s90.0oo.o00 to carry
on the 1916 building programme made ir
the naval appropriation BILL but regard
less of appropriations the law provides
that the cost Of construction must be
within the figure fixed by Congress.
In case the House movement gain:
headway II is probable that strong pres
sure will be brought to bear by the Ad'
ministration. Secretary DENLY has
stated that he will continue construction
unless specifically directed to quit by
Congress. He sincerely hopes. OF course
that the disarmament conference will 81
a success, but believes It would be a ms.
take to quit building until a definite
agreement has been reached. Even after
that, II Is admitted. a limited amount oi
construction probably will be necessary
1t Is being pointed out that II the United
States enters the conference with a wei
developed naval programme and ex
presses willingness to curtail that pro
grammc II other nations do likewise, 4
will be the best policy evidence Of sin
cerity.
Capt. willis Of the navy. in charge o.
construction. expressed the belief tina
the House move. even II successful
would not halt work on some OF th'
ships because they are In the earl.
stages of construction and further con
siderable declines I'm construction cost!
might come. On others. however. Il !!
apparent that II the vessels are pushed
the original limit of cost will be ex
] ceeded.