The Western news. [volume] (Libby, Mont.) 1933-current, 1938-04-07
SEEN
HEARD
around the
NATIONAL
CApITr
By Car - ~

Nsshineton.-fn considering the
rev naval appropriations it must be
remembered that this billion-dollar
program, as it is called, is in addi-
ton to the regular 1899 program
which had already been provided.
Besides, II is IN addition to new
building now going on but author
lied previously.
For instance two battleships, to-
falling 10000 tons, are now under
construction. Two more of $4,000 |
tons each, are in the so-called regu-
lar 1899 program. But three more,
with los, 900 tons additional tonnage,
are in the so-called billlon-dollar
preeH Hi. This T'flfis makes the total adj
ditional tonnage to be eventually
added to the present United States
navy 245, 900 tonsl
incidentally even this may be
boosted. The navy has been fgur-
ing ON still bigger ships, and may
get an amendment in before the
keels are laid, which would make
the tonnage of each Of the three
battleships provided in the new bill
lion-dollar program as much as 49,
600 tons. Which, If it happens, as
it probably will, would make the
boost, in battleships alone, 269, ooO
tons.
No new aircraft carriers were
provided for in the regular 1889
program. But there are two now
building, with a total tonnage of
$4,000. In the billion-dollar program
two more, with 10000 total tonnage,
are added, making four new carrl-
ers and a total of $4,000 tons to be
added to the navy.
Eight cruisers are now under con-
struction, totaling 10000 tons. The
regular 1899 program added two,
totaling 10000 tons. but the billion
dollar program adds nine more,
with 68,754 tons additional. Thirty
six destroyers are under way, with
a total of $4,000 tons. The regular
1899 program added eight more,
with total of $4,000 additional tons.
Along comes the billion-dollar pro-
gram with % more, adding $4,000
tons.
Needs New Destroyers
So no less than 81 destroyers are
TO be added to the navy!
This is not so surprising when one
considers the history of destroyers
in the American navy. At the time
of the World war this was one type
of vessel which could be rushed to
completion with some hope that
they would be finished before the
war ended. Moreover, the destroy
er was considered one of the most
effective agencies with which to
fight submarines, at the time the
chief danger to the allies.
So America rushed out destroy
ers. The end of the war found the
navy with more destroyers than i
knew what 10 do with. Most 0.
them were tied up, their part;
creased, and kept in storage, SO Il
speak AS a result there was ne
much destroyer building, especial,
as the armament Limitation confer
ence came along in 1922.
But naturally these have al
grown obsolete together. So thu
navy really needs new fleet 0
destroyers.
Now under construction also il
one destroyer tender, of 9,450 tons
The billion-dollar program adds five
more, with a total Of $4,000 tons
1t also adds four seaplane tenders
with total of $4,000 tons to the
one authorized previously, at $500
tons.
In the regular 1899 program tbs
navy got an oiler of 1900 tons, {
mine sweeper of 900 tons, and {
fleet tug Of 1850 tons. To these
will be added three repair ships, to
falling 28,5oO tons, in the billion-dol
lar program.
Chinese Get a Hunch
A Chinese commerce raider
'- aimed at accomplishing againE
Japanese commerce what the ia
NOUS Confederate privateer Ala
bama did to United States shippin
during the war between the states
is under serious consideration. Off
cially this will be denied, of course
but several factors in the Alabam
situation are being studied by thos
interested.
The Alabama, it will be recalled
was fitted out in England, and ha
very long and effective advel
ture in destruction before she wa
finally sunk by the U. S. S. Keai
sarge off Cherbourg.
The present idea is said to hay
originated due to publicity for IL
grievance of American fsherme
and the salmon industry general
in the Pacific Northwest and Ala
ka. In fact, the germ Of the idt
is said to have been sprouted wht
an indignant union leader wantt
TO know why the United Stat
couldn't have an accident sin
lar to the sinking Of the Panay
Japanese, and then be very, We
sorry" in note to Japan.