Western news and the Libby times. [volume] (Libby, Mont.) 1920-1933, 1929-02-21
Why We Need
Our New Cruisers

The real need for the fifteen cruis-
ers provided for in the naval con-
struction law is set forth in convinc-
ing fashion in special article in the
current issue of the National Repub-
lie. 1t was written by Congressman
w. f. Evans, of California, member
of the House Commute on Naval At
fairs under the title, 1--WE Need Fiji
teen Cruisers" In comparing the
strength of the United States navy
with that of other naval powers Con-
gresham Evans says in part:
Before authorizing the construc-
ton of additional naval armament the
people are entitled to know, and
should know, just what we have in
the way of naval strength, so as to
be able to pass some judgment on
whether or not it Is reasonably ade-
auate for the purpose for which it
is maintained and how it compares
with the same sort of defense main
tanned by other powers. The follow
ing are some of the pertinent facts
and figures in this regard:
AS to capital ships we have under
the Washington conference a parity
on a 5-5-3 basis with Great Britain
and Japan.
cat the present time the number of
modern cruisers built, building and
appropriated for in these three coun-
tries stands as follows:
1.-THE United States has eighteen
with a total tonnage of 1860.
Great Britain has sixty-three,
with a total tonnage of 100000.
Japan has thirty three, with a to-
tai tonnage Of 100000.
I'm numbers these cruisers rank in
order of Importance as follows: United
States, IA; Great Britain, 60; Japan,
2.6. In tonnage they rank as follows:
United States, 1.9; Great Britain, 80;
Japan 81.
Thus it will be seen that our coun-
try is far below either in any form
,, of comparison. Let us see what Great
Britain, France, italy and Japan have
done in the way o. building naval
armament since the Washington con-
ference in comparison with what we
have done in this country.
Great Britain has laid down and
appropriated for 81 ships; Japan,
! 127 ships; France, 101 ships; Italy,
| II ships; United States, IS ships.
Therefore, during the six years since
the Washington conference, England
has built warships at the rate of nine
year; Japan at the rate of twenty
one year; France at the rate OF six
teen a year; Italy at the rate OF elev-
en- year, and the United States at
the rate Of three year,
1.-The United States has in the serv-
ice now twenty-five cuisers of the
average age Of twentyfour years
These are in addition to those In
cluded in the ratios lust above men
| toned. The standard life Of cruiser
is twenty years. Every one Of these
cruisers is over 20 years Of age al
this time and perfectly worthless fol
offensive or defensive use in case Of
conflict. Therefore, the only cruisers
we now have in the service of modern
or useful type are ten 6,000-ton ships
mounted with only six-inch guns
When the eight new cruisers hereto
fore authorized two of which arr
now under construction are completed
this will give us 146, 900 tons as above
set forth.
"If the fifteen ships called for BY
/ this bill are built we will then have
total cruiser tonnage Of 100000
and yet will be approximately 100,
! 900 tons below Great Britain in cruis
| or STRENGTH