Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-09-30
ADAMS GETS NAVY
CURTA|LMENT PLAN
Admiral Pratt's Proposal to
Meet Hoover Demand
Leaves Basic Policy.

A plan involving curtailed naval
operation has been laid before Secre-
tary Adams by Admiral William ".
Pratt, chief of naval operations, as a
possible method of meeting President
Hoover's demands for 1888 Navy budget
cuts.
Basic naval policy would remain UNI
affected under the plan. Off1cers ac-
quainted with it refused to discuss de-
tails, but indicated 1t would be sub
mitted to Congress.
Immediately upon his return from a
trip to the West Coast, the admiral
turned his attention to President Hoo
ver's request to Secretary Adams that
the naval budget estimates for 1888
be cut sharply from their original figure
Of $401, 000, 900.
$4,000, 900 as Goal.
The figure Of $34o, 100000 has been
mentioned as the goal to which the
President would like to see the Navy
cut its estimates.
The number of destroyers to be built
under congressional authorization al
ready has been reduced from IL to S.
Among the suggestions which have
been made to the Secretary was one
that the inactive Charleston. w. Va,
ordnance plant be turned over to the
city, with the condition that it be avail
able for the Navy in an emergency.
Another suggestion was for the clos
ing of the Alexandria, Va, torpedo
base. Savings from these two Sugges-
tions are roughly estimated at $350,000
annually. Doubt was expressed, how
ever. that the suggestions would be car
ried out.
Asked to Reconsider Estimates.
Like his colleagues of the cabinet,
the Naval Secretary has been asked
by President Hoover to reconsider
budgetary estimates submitted for the
year. On highest authority it has been
made known that the Chief Executive
wishes the Navy to cut its $401 ,000, 900
estimates. He does not desire that the
decreases be made, however, at the ex-
pense Of the current construction pro-
gram, which might be slightly in
creased.
Meanwhile, the Secretary announced
yesterday an immediate slash in ex-
penditures. The projected ii destroyer
program, authorized by Congress, was
cut to ships after approval for the
others was withheld by the White
House.
Other Bureau Cuts.
Since President Hoover hopes to slash
the 1888 naval expenditures to $780,
900, 900, as compared with 1882 appro-
priations, while increasing the con-
struction fund from $50 900 900 to $685.
600, 900, any curtailment must come from
other bureaus. General expenditures
are expected to bear the $35,000.000
cut.
Secretary Adams himself has indi-
Gated he does not know yet himself
where the blue pencil will be applied,
other than through reduced living
costs. Officers today set what they
100000 curtailment on this item.
Once before when the Navy was asked
to make sharp reductions in its ex-
penditures. 1t turned first to the naval
establishments.
Former Secretary Wilbur made the
survey at the behest of President Cool
idge, and 1t proceeded to the point of
recommendation for the abandonment
or curtailment of the Great Lakes Ma
val Station, the Philadelphia Navy Yard
and decreased activities at some other
points. The plan aroused a storm of
local protest in affected points and was
shelved.
Possible Personnel Reduction.
Another possible source of savings
was said by officers to be q reduction
In Marine or naval ofhcer and enlisted
personnel.
1t appeared certain today that Secre-
tary Adams would not submit any plan
to the President for further new ship
construction beyond that under con-
tract and the four additional destroy
ers. This In itself, officers said, could
permit curtailment of personnel re-