The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1938-02-10
Opinions on Macy Increase Program
Vary Among Residents OF Community

Redwood county citizens are
divided in their opinions on the
advisability of the proposal now
pending in congress to increase
the United States navy.
One group takes the stand that
a large navy will have the psy-
Geological effect of frightening off
potential enemies. Another feels
that increased naval appropria-
tons will add impetus to the
armament race.
Our foreign commerce and prl-
vate interests abroad are consid-
cred by some to be the bone of
contention in the armament ques-
ton. Others believe that we
should follow the advice of ex-
pertS.
Here are some of the COM
mentS:
William Echert, LambertOn: In
my opinion, the naval armament
increase is absolutely necessary.
Adequate protection is one of the
first things we should consider for
sure and safe preservation of our
nation.
Joseph Pistulka, Redwood Falls:
1 am against the 208o increase in
the United States navy. In the last
war the navy was not called upon
to protect our mainland at any
time due to our remote position
geographically. A navy is of
value to us only as a means OF
protecting our commerce and in
sular possessions in belligerent
territory. I don't see that either
commerce or those possessions
are worth the billions of dollars
or the lives we are periodically
called upon to sacrifice for them.
If money must be spent for war
preparations, we would be wiser
to build an air force as that seems
to be the present means of win
ming wars within restricted areas
comparable to continental United
States.
AS a self sufficient ration, the
United States is unjustified in
trying to maintain 5-3 ratio in
ship tonnage against a CONNER
cialiy dependent nation, and it
will cost us more billions than is
now proposed if we enter an
armament race against Japan
whose very existence depends on
what she can garner through
trade or conquest.
Mrs. A. ID. McRae, Redwood
Falls: Before we can express an
intelligent opinion in regard to a
huge increase in our army and
navy appropriations, we should
know whether such an increase
is necessary to maintain an army
and navy adequate for national
protection and defense. If we now
have that protection no increase
is warranted. This nation does not
want a huge war machine prepar-
ed for war of aggression.
We have not yet forgotten how
we were propagandized into the
World war by the financial in
terests and the great munitions
makers of the world.
Personally, I am for the appro-
priation of all the millions nee
essary to maintain an army and
navy of the greatest efficiency for
defense, but not one cent for one
of offense.
Rud Stensvad, Redwood Falls:
The administration and state de-
partment are in possession of in
formation relating to the army
and navy requirements about
which the general public cannot
be informed. Therefore any COM
ment on the proposed increase in
Navy construction will be based
on personal feeling and not on
facts. I believe the administration
has studied the conditions and
has found the proposed increase
in the navy necessary.
Mrs. j. E. Greene, Redwood
Falls: Personally, I am opposed to
war. Like our Revolutionary
heroes, I do not believe in firing
until we can see the whites of the