Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1922-12-16
OUR NAVY AND OTHERS

Those who undertake to disillusion
the public assume a responsibility.
I. often happens that in getting rid
of one Illusion fresh ones are ac-
quired, and the last state Is worse
than the FIRST This Is likely to De
true OF those who are now being con-
WINGED that the work OF the Confer
snce 10 Limit Armaments is not all
they had supposed it to be. 1t is
probable that Of those arriving at
this conclusion, which no longer
seems avoidable. many will likewise
conclude that the effort was of no
value. Such skepticism may espec-
tally be looked for among those who
nj first concluded the conference
gave positive assurance of the end
OF war. From one extreme to another
IL the swing Of the mental pendulum.
The act OF the House committee in
connecting with the naval appro-
rriation bill n request that the Presi-
dent call another conference to limit
the smaller naval craft excites a sus-
picion that IL was done for political
effect Members didn't wish TO COM
init themselves TO the demands Of the
situation without qualifying it. in
some way. such as making it appear
that every effort had been put forth
30 avoid IT, Tho result must be
gratifying to many, though it may
he doubted If the members OF the
committee are included in that num-
hcr. The country is told that the
President has all along been working
with like purpose.
Perhaps 1t will help to a clearer
estimate OF tho situation to recall
the position occupied by this country
at the Washington conference. We
were able TO build ships faster than
any other country on the globe; we
we're able to so bankrupt those coun-
tries If they persisted. They realized
the situation. Brotherly love, milk of
human kindness and all that were
not the only influences at work on
that conference. The delegates were
thinking more ;ntentIy upon what the
taxpayers at home would have to
say than about what the next gen.
Grafton might have to say respecting
the stupidity of this age. Much the
same mental attitude may be found
among the national leaders of today.
Judged by what they do they appear
10 require n threat. need to be con-
WINGED there will otherwise be an
immediate loss Of something. in order
TO secure their agreement to a pro-
posal. They may listen to President
Harding IL he is able to say to them:
this country is ready to go ahead
and lay down war craft permitted
under the agreement, two to one, II
you do not cooperate in reduction of
the cruisers and submarines. They
won't listen to lin If Congress makes
it impossible for him to carry out
suitable naval program. If they
thought Congress was made up of
men who. desiring the money for
something else, would deny an ap-
preparation for the navy they would
laugh at any proposals we might
make.
And another matter should not be
forgotten by those who are insisting
the moment has arrived for beating
cur spears into pruning hooks; the
Washington conference was the oc-
casion when our representatives
urged to the limit reduction In the
smaller naval craft and submarines.
1t should be remembered that Eng
land offered to scrap submarines but
France would not and Japan and
Italy supported her position. Fur
thcrmore the agreement which after
much difficulty was finally obtained
has not as yet been signed by all.
France hasn't gut her name to it and
there Is some doubt whether she will
do so. In view Of all these things one
should not be too expectant of what
President Harding may be able to do
toward further reductions in the near
future. The activity in naval circles
abroad is said to be noticeable and
the need OF ships looms big at
Lausanne.