The Waterbury Democrat., 1933-01-18
Armament Reduction
 For Taxation Relief
Seen as Only Positive and Constructive Step Toward
 Relieving Debt Burden By Sen Watson

problem, for I believe that it is the easiest of solution and Is the first essential step toward the restora- tion of those blessings that human ity so longingly yearns for in this dark hour. If through legislative enactment we can take the first step towrad building pa public sentiment against war and against the creation of the instrumentali- ties of war, we shall have gone far toward solving the most mo- mentous problem that today con- fronts us."
 Pointing out that the annual cost of our army and navy establish ment, plus pensions and interest on public debt, has grown from $475, 5,000,000 in 1913 to approxi- mately $1.600, 100000, the speaker demanded that a halt be called lin these enormous expenditures in building up armaments to destroy the people themselves.
 "This will result in the decreas- ed cost of all governments" he said, fin lessening the tax burden of all peoples, in rendering less fearsome the langor of any future war and in bringing about @ better and kindlier relationship among the peoples of the world.
 "Let us strike now at the root of this armament evil. If we could induce all parties in all countries to forget, for the time, all minor measures and unite on 0 course of procedure to solve the armament problem, we should soon settle this momentous issue.
 "To that end, let us join in the one single proposal, unfettered and unhampered by any other interna- tional problem whatever, and unan- imously declare to the nations of the world that we are prepared to reduce our armament to size commensurate with national safety and sane expenditure, along with like decreases in all the other countries of the world. It is my deliberate judgment that all the international trouble of the world and many of it's national difficult ties which 1t is proposed to solve by various conferences--will come within the range of easy manage ment once the great cause of dis armament has been set right. Le, us endeavor to settle forthwithsthis fundamental world problem.
 "If, out of this world depression can como world disarmament, we shall not have suffered in vain. But if we continue in our bewiider. ment and let this opportunity pass, tho peoples of the world may well charge that we are unworthy of the trust placed in our hands.
 "Tt will be recalled that Musso. lini asked for 50 per cent re. duction in world armaments, but to that request the nations gave nc heed. President Hoover suggested one-third reduction in the size oi armies, but the nations Of tho world did not accede to that TO. quest. A disarmament conferenct recently closed its session in Gen. eva, with but slight if any pro. gross toward the solution of the problem.
 "What does the senate of tho United States propose to do about 1t? Are we to admit that we arc powerless in the presence of thii problem? For one, I am no willing to admit. And because o my belief. I offer this resolution.
 Tt asks for reduction of bu five per cent each year for the rlex ten years-or a total of 41 pei cent in the aggregate. This woult leave ample armament for thu protection and defense Of ever, nation, yet 1t would largely solve all the problems that grow out O. the present armament construction of the world. It would at once glv' the peoples of ali lands to under stand that armaments are not tt be increased. It will decrease thu annual burden now laid upon thu backs of the people in the form of taxes and will restore confidence in the hearts of all people. If thu senate will pass this resolution. VI shall at least have Q concrete pro position to submit to the nations of tho world"