Capital journal. (Salem, Or.) 1919-1980, 1921-06-24
Rodmnn Says Coast
Needs More NnUuI
Bases and Vessels
By Charles E. Hughes.


whose upbuilding he has directe
for the past two years in his ca
pacity as commander-in-chief, Ad
smiral Hugh Rodman, distinguish
ed for forty-six years service witt
the American navy, paid splen
did tribute to the efficiency o
American sea fighters and made
plea for the united support O
the nation in the navy's program
for adequate facilities on the ives
coast.
ne warned that Japan is ener'
geti and aggressive and is proyid'
ing a pretentious naval program
to take care of its commerce.
he also warned that unless Am
erica properly equips its Pacific
fleet with adequate bases, so that
American commerce can be safe
guarded, it's warships will deter
iorate and the prestige of the Uni
ted States be allowed to suffer.
admiral Rodman, who has had
more active sea servie than any
other officer in the American navy
will get at least a brief respite
from service afloat. He will pro-
coed Immediately to Washington,
where for short time he will
serve with the navy selection
board, which recommends advan-
cement for officers. On completion
OF this work he expects to be as
signed to duties that will keep him
in the east.
rs Naval Craft in Pacific.
The veteran, who was one or
Deweys commanders when the
Spanish fleet was overwhelmed in
one of the worlds most effective
sea battles at Manila Bay in 1898,
and who was knighted by King
George for his conspicuous service
with the British Grand fleet as
commander of the American unit
in the World War, expressed keen
regret that he was leaving the Pa
cific Coast.
Il wish the Americans in every
part of the country could realize
what the important part the west
coast now plays in our national
life" said the admiral to the In
ternational News Service, then
they could form some estimate of
the tremendous role it will play
in the next century, when our
our Pacific commerce is developed
on the scale of magnificence it is
sure to attain"
1t the present time there are
more than IT'S fighting vessels of
all types in the Pacific fleet,
with the prospect, the admiral
pointed out, that this number will
lie swelled If the navy is to keep
abreast of the growing United
States mercantile marine centered
in the Pacific trade.
Il have no knowledge that the
Pacific fIoo+ &c - hn augmented
IN the near future, but il Wash
sngton is going to enlarge it or
maintain it at its present stand
ard of efficiency, there will have
TO be improved docking and repair
ing facilities. While we have no
enemies in the Pacific we do ex-
pect to have larger commerce in
this ocean, which means proper
naval protection is necessary.
Japan, which feels that 1t must
have a larger mercantile marine
10 support its natural growth has
provided a larger navy to keep
pace with its ships of trade. We
should have at least as much pro-
lection for our ships of trade as
Japan is providing for those un-
der its flag
Prefer New Base to New Ships.
admiral Dodman explained that
the navy department has found
San Diego to be well suited for a
destroyer and aircraft base; that
Los Angeles harbor is ideal for a
base and that 1t is nee
cessary to have a main base on
San Francisco Bay. He stated that
naval officers agreed that Mare
Island is inadequate as base for
great capital ships and that Ala
media has been selected as an ideal
point.
The admiral explained that 1t is
n necessary to expand the efficient
base at Bremerton, Wash, but the
navy must have at least one other
base on San Francisco Bay" He
said that If ii comes to a decision
rs TO the necessity for building the
iew San Francisco Bay base, as
opposed to constructing one or two
iew capital ships. he would rec
the new base.
Through the International News
Service the admiral sent the fol-
owing message to American men
nd women:
III the people Of Kansas, in
lhio, in New York, in Maine, or I
n Florida only realized that it is
Iist as much to their interest
rom a standpoint of national well
IRE to have adequate facilities for
ur great fleet on the Pacific as it
for the people of California, or
regon. or Washington they would
q behind the navy department =,
trough their congressman and
nators and boost for the endorse
ent OF the present Pacific Coast !,
wal improvement programme !,