Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1922-03-02
HOUSE COMMITTEE
CONTINUED from Page One

the situation as serious, although
Secretary DENLY refused tonight to
authorize any comment on the ac-
indications, however, that orders
must go forward to all parts of the
navy almost Immediately under
which no ship would be permitted to
operate under steam for the remain
der Of the fiscal year. unless admin
istration officials should be success
full in inducing congress to make
more liberal fuel provisions.
While the navy department has
authority under existing law to ere
ate deficiencies as an emergency
matter. 1t is known that the policy
Of the administration is against that
practice, and that Secretary DENLY
proposes to keep expenditures of his
department within limits of appro-
priations, If it is humanity possible
to do so.
Action of the appropriations COM
mittee Of the house Is generally re-
garded as forecasting closely ulti-
mate action Of congress and until
there is some development showing
that congress has appreciated the
situation in which the navy would
be left, there are indications that no
operations of the fleet will be au-
thorizcd which would lead to expen-
ditUre of fuel beyond the limit set.
In presenting the fuel deficiency sit
uation to the sub committee on naval
appropriations, Secretary DENLY
pointed that the original estimates for
the current lear were $37,000.000, and
cut by congress to S17,5O0,O00. OF
that sum only s14,000,000 was avail
able for fleet fuel and Mr. DENLY ex-
planned that should all ships now in
commission remain at anchor
throughout the year. thetotal fuel bill
to keep them under necessary steam
in port would amount to $12,S50.000,
which would leave the navy only ST.
15C, 900 for operations under way as
against s15,5o0,o0o requested for the
1922 year.
1t was also pointed out that when
the bill was proposed in July, 1921, oil
burning and coal burning battIeships
were being 'e-distrihuted between the
Atlantic and Pacific fleets, that five
battleships were in Norway with the
midshipmen on practice cruise; that
the Atlantic destroyers with reduced,
personnel were in Newport and that
to complete these operations had
made very heavy inroads on the limit
ed funds available.
Steps to save fuel included cancel
lation of combined fleets maneuvers.
abandonment of the regular full power
trials conducted annually for all ships
as test of engineering personnel and
engines; and the cancellation of all
maneuver operations EXCEPT during
target practice.
Destroyers on both coasts are now
reduced to maximum of eight hours
steaming per month to. save fuel and
capital ships of both fleets to max.
imum of five days steaming ner
month. To keep within the deficiency
limit indicated by the appropriations
committee today. however, it is said
to be obvious that even these steam
ing allowances must be SUSPENDED
ana every ship from battleships and
~estroyers to naval transports and
tugs be kept idle at anchor, or at the
dock with only sufficient steam in the
boiler to provide fire protection
Flights, heating and other vital neces-
stiles of ship life.
Training Of the navy for war SER
vice cannot he oopd,ot.a
circumstances, officers declared, and
the department is understood to he
awaiting the final alton of Congress
on the fuel deficiency with great
anxiety.
Mr.. DENLY told the committee in
regard to the deficiency estimates
that naval efficiency rested on four
inter-dependent elements. These, he
said. were efficiency Of personnel.
gunnery. steaming ability of the in
dividual ships and fleet training or
the ability Of the fleet as a whole to
operate.
In view of the urgent necessity for
government economy, however. the
department already has reduced fleet
operating training and abandoned
engineering tests when its estimates
of s12,000,o00 as the probable fuel
deficiency was presented. It is
hoped by naval officials that the sit
uation. which must result If not more
than s6.oo0,000 is allowed. will be
recognized by Congress before final
action on this item is taken.
Chairman Madden Of the House