Jasper County Democrat, Volume 15, Number 71, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 7 December 1912 — MUST HAVE A BIGGER NAVY [ARTICLE]

MUST HAVE A BIGGER NAVY

Secretary Meyer Says We Need FortyOne Battleships and Proportional Number of Other Vesels. Washington, Dec. 6.—The annual report of Secretary of the Navy George Von L. Meyer, made public today, suggests extensive changes in the administration of the navy department; reports the efficiency of Uncle Sam’s battleships to be higher than that maintained last year, and recommends a provision for the building of four battleships, two cruisers, 16 torpedo boat destroyers, and a number of auxiliary vessels, by the present session of congress. Secretary Meyer states that the augmentation of the present naval force is a necessity to the perpetuation of the peaceful relations of the United States with the powers of the world. He denies the assertions of enemies of a large navy that the opening of the Panama canal would “double the navy." The report states that a total of 41 battleships, with a proportional number of other fighting and auxiliary vessels, is necessary to place this country on a safe basis In its relations with other world powers.