Omaha daily bee., 1922-04-15

Strikes at
Little Navy
Harding Tells Congress lie
Considers 10000 Minimum
Of Enlisted Strength I'm.
der 5.5.3 Terms Plan.
Opposes Party Leaders


Washington, April lI,-President
Harding today dealt crushing and
probably fatal blow 10 the little navy
faction IN the house.
Intervening openly Tor the first
time in the hgh, over the naval ap-
preparation bill. the presiden, told
congress. in letter 10 Representa-
tive Longwor,h. Ohio. that lac con
sidered $4,000 men the irredueible
minimum OF enlisted strength tor
the American navy under the terms
o. the s-s-J naval agreement.
In taking this position. Presiden,
Harding was forced to assume all
attitude OF direct opposition TO some
oi the mos, powerful OF his own
party leaders in the house, including
Representative Mondell. Wyoming,
republican leader: Representative
Madden. Illinois, chairman OF the ap-
preparations committee. and Repre-
sentative Kelley, Michigan. chair
man of the naval subcommittee
which drafted the navy bill.
Advocate Small Force.
They have been advocating the
hill providing only $1,000 enlisted
men for the sivy and have vigor-
cusly resisted claims OF the Navy
department that more men were nee
essary TO maintain the navy. Up to
a day or two ago it seemed prob
able that they would win. Prcsi-
dent Harding's letter, following
closely upon a similar appeal by
Secretary OF State Hughes. is be-
leved to have definitely turned the
tide against the little navy" move
ment and assured victory for the
Macarthur amendment for $1,000 en-
listed men.
The presidents letter, sprung sud-
denly by Representative Longworth
in the midst OF debate, received all
enthusiastic reception. Although
there had been rumors that the presi-
dent would take hand in the fight
the actual presentation of the letter
was something of surprise. Mem.
bers of the faction which have beer
opposing the bill, leaped to their fee
ad cheered for several minutes.
Text of Letter.
Mr.. Harding's letter follows:
Il have to acknowledge your lc.
ter of inquiry addressed to me on the
10th instant. If / were to address
the congress formally / would sa,
only what l have already said i'll
formally, because l am we'll persu
AIDED that it is not wise to make sc
drastic cut in the naval appropri.
ations as has been proposed in the
measure now pending in the house.
Il do not doubt the good faith oi
the committee majority in believing
. suitable navy can be maintained
under the limitations fixed in the
pending bill, and l am heartily III
accord with every consistent effort
to deepen the cut in governmental
expenses. At the same time, I must
believe in good faith of the navy de-
partment and our naval advisers, who
say very emphatically that it is i'm
possible to maintain, within the pro-
posed appropriations, the standard
set for our navy which was made the
base of the international conference.
and which standard we have pro-
claimed to the world.
Decision With Congress.
"Of course, the decision must lie
with congress, but l should not be
frank in replying to your inquiry if )
| did not say that | shall be greatly
disappointed and believe the coun-
try will be greatly disappointed, if
the appropriation to which the navy
must and will adhere, is reduced TO
the point where the limitation of en-
listed men and apprentices is below
$4,000. No presentation OF the sit
uation which has come to my notice
has served to alter that opinion.
Ultimately, perhaps, the lower
figures proposed may be reached,
and | hope it will be possible,
through later international concert.
but the trend toward peace ought to
be more firmly established before
going beyond the limitation to which
we were gladly committed at the in
% rf1 f1afiona1 confaraocnU -