The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1927-12-12
NAVY'S DUTIES
ARE NUMEROUS,
WILBUR SAYS
Annual Report Of Secretary
Shows Wide Field Of Peace.
time Activities

Washington, Dec. 12.-(R)-The
wide field Of peace time activities
open to a modern day navy was
graphically described today in the
annual report of Secretary Wilbur.
who told of ocean searches for lost
aviators; the navy's part in Mis-
sissippi flood rescue work, the oper-
atoms Of American ships in Chinese
and Nicaraguan waters and Of the
work Of marines and bluejackets
ashore on foreign soil.
With all of these duties to be per-
formed, Mr.. Wilbur said the navy
had carried on with the personnel
so reduced that one ship could not
be placed in active service until an.
other was put into drydock. This
process had gone on until it was
seriously affecting the efficiency Of
the operations Of the fleet. The
operating plan Of seagoing forces
in. 1927 was based on an enlisted
strength Of $4,000 men but only ST.
032 men were available because Of
the limitation fixed by congression-
Al APPROPRIATIONS.
Legislation Needed
Legislation proposing an in
creased attendance at the naval
academy and higher appropriations
for the enlisted personnel, was rec
commended to relieve the shortage Of
officers and men now keenly felt
throughout the service.
The failure Of the Geneva confer
ence, the report said, requires 2
building program to meet our legit-
innate requirements for national
defense and to maintain the 5-5-3
ratio in cruisers and aircraft car
riers. Replacement tonnage in de-
stroyers will soon be NEEDED"
Except for the completion Of ma
jor alterations in the battleships
New York, Texas, and Wyoming,
the material condition of vessels Of
the. fleet was maintained as during
the previous year, the report said.
The modernization Of the Oklahoma
and Nevada, authorized by congress,
had been delayed awaiting the APP
preparation Of necessary funds. Five
more battleships Of. the Oklahoma
class should be modernized, making
with the Oklahoma and Nevada,
seven in all to be SO treated, the re-
port i'd.
The Asiatic fleet and the special
service squadron bore the brunt Of
the years activities. The situation
in China called for extensive addi-
tions to >the fleet and unusual ac-
tivity in the protection of American
lives and property in areas affected
by the Chinese disturbances.
Situation in China
1.-THE protection Of American citi-
zens in China" it was declared.
"has been most difficult and has
required the greatest amount of
tact, patience, and calm judgment
in the face of tremendous provoca-
tion and insult by various local au-
thorities, as well as actual assault
and attack by mobs Of. frenzisd
1.-THE principal clash occurred at
Marking on March "a. There can
be no doubt that this attack on for
eigners, including Americans, was
premeoitated, carefully planned,
well organized, and efficiently ex-
ccuted by organized troops" Secre-
tary Wilbur said. "Nor can there
be any doubt that the prompt and
energetic action Of naval forces Of
America and Great Britain and lat
er firm stand demanding the safe
evacuation Of foreigners in the city
prevented possible wholesale mas
sacfe."
The special service squadron, the
duties Of which include the protec-
ton Of American interests in Gen.
trail America, operated on such q
large scale as to require various
units of the battle fleet to assist in
work in Nicaragua.
Navy Helps During Flood
Facilities Of the naval air station
at Pensacola, Fla, were made avail
able to the Red Cross for relief and
rescue work in the Mississippi
flood area. As many as 80 planes
were in constant use for months and
every demand for seaplanss was
met. Patrols flew over the stricken
area, aiding in the rescue Of thou
sands Of persons.
A total of 81 vessels from the
battle fleet took part in the search
for missing Dole flight planes. The
total area searched was approx
mately $50, 1000 miles, some Of which
was covered several times. The to-
tai amount Of fuel oil and gasoline
expended in the search was about
1886 $50 gallons. The excess cost
Of this fuel was approximately ST.
1920.
The continued progress In the de-
sign and performance Of aircraft
during the year, the report said. was
particularly gratifying to the de-
81 July /, 1926, there were on
hand Of modern types 361 planes:
during the fiscal year lit planes
were added, bringing the total to
468. During the year ending June
80, 1928, there will be delivered to
the navy total Of 436 planes, Civ
ing the department. Z total on hand
at the end Of the coming year Of
7lB planes. liter allowing for. vast
The health and morale Of the of.
ficers AMI enlisted men has been
maintained q : high standard,
Secretary Wilbur said, ana the en-
MlNaAno yYnaa