The Daily News. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1918. AMERICAN NAVAL EXPANSION.

Taranaki Daily News, 18 February 1918, Page 4

The Daily News. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1918. AMERICAN NAVAL EXPANSION.

Afherica has always been proud of her navy and with very good reason, for during peaceful years she has quietly, but steadily, been perfecting it to meet the time of war. That hour haß arrived, and the Secretary for the. Navy, Mr- Josephus Daniels, can say, without boasting, "We are ready now" American sword is drawn, and Mr. Daniels claims that no one will dispute that t'lie blade is keen and free from rust, and its temper true. Although this perfecting process has been systematically carried out, yet the United States fleet had been allowed to decline, or rather it had not kept pace with the expansion of the German fleet, but when the war broke out in 1914 a movement was started ill America to strengthen both the Army and Navy. The importance of such a step was emphasised by the fact that if Germany were to win, the United States would he entirely at her mercy. Accordingly the Naval Department is confident, as the result of past and present preparations, that it will be able to meet any call for greater duties and responsibilities, and above all for winning the war. There is, however, to be no cessation—day and night—in prosecuting these naval budget for the cvanlng year amounts to £207,930,100, with the prospect of further large sums being asked for, some conception may he possible of the thorough manner in which America, intends to enlarge and equip her Navy, and it is evident there is no limit to what she will so in bringing this arm of the servicejftp to concert pitch, nor should we lose sight of the fact that last ycr: '* appropriation was more than a hundred million in excess of the estimate for the current year. In the first place it is worthy of note that since the beginning of 1017 the United States naval force has been increased by 10,500 officers and 186,000 men, while the strength of the naval reserve has been raised from a few hundred to nearly 50,000. The monthly expenditure has, of course, risen in proportion, jumping from £1,600,000 to £12,000,000. It may be asked: What has America to show for this great expenditure? Seven hundred more ships in commission, hospital corps enlarged from 1000 to 7000, a new force of national naval volunteers numbering 10,000 men, and the marine corr raised from 9921 men to 30,000 with a proportionate increase of officers. Besides these large provisions, vast orders have been placed for material, the air service has been greatly expanded and training facilities provided for 113,650 men, exclusive of the naval academy and other regular .service schools. The large increase in the personnel of the American Navy indicates that no half measures are being taken- Mr. Daniels (the Naval Secretary) asks that for war purposes the figures shall he 180,000 bluejackets, 24,000 apprentices, 14,000 in trade schools, and 10,000 for aviation. Before the war the number of men available for tlio Britisli Navy was 211,900, including the various reserves, while the .strength of the active service men only amounted to 151,000, but in IUM an additional ,'i.io,ooo officers and men were voted. By comparing the British and American figures some idea will bo gained of the great stride taken By the United States in naval matters. There are, of course, no details available as to new construction of ships or aircraft, but Mr. Daniels has disclosed that at the present moment his Government possesses an American "flying boat," actually flying with an American engine which is not excelled by any foreign craft of the type It is characteristically American to go one better than other countries when it is a question of new inventions. We also know that America is turning out aircraft by thousands, and it is hoped an enormous fleet of this craft wilt soon be available on the West front. The steps that are being taken by the United States to raise an army and navy worthy of the world's greatest democracy prove conclusively tlhat the Government, backed up by the people, fully —iise the vital importance of the pr*s-

enfc war, and indicate the earnestness of purpose and determination which actuate the country. Moreover tile American Government is looking ahead and providing the means for preventing the recurrence, of the terrible tragedy of war by means of an international force, especially for patrolling the oceans. Mr. 'Daniels considers is would be a touting calamity if, when this present, war ends, there should linger as a, l burden upon a people already heavily taxed by war a competitive programme of costly naval construction. An International navy, he contends, will make possible sue'h naval development as each nation deems lilting for its own people, and give validity to international decrees, while it will be sufficiently strong to keep inviolate the peace of the world. In other words, tyranny will be rendered impossible, and no nation will be able to become a menace to the others or be in a position to make an unprovoked attack. This view contains the main inspiration of the Allies in the present conflict—warring against war. America has been roused into taking her proper part in defence of the world's freedom from autocratic despotism and is devoting ail her vast resources to that end.