Jasper County Democrat, Volume 23, Number 14, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 15 May 1920 — DANIELS SUMS UP [ARTICLE]

DANIELS SUMS UP

Taking the broad view, which is surely the one that we should take, Secretary Daniels had no diffculty in showing that the American navy rendered distinguished service during the war, and that the board charged ■with its management labored with zeal and intelligence to insure victory. That there were mistakes, the secretary freely admits, and also some differences of opinion. Yet these did not develop among the men managing affairs on this side, so that there was never any occato appeal to the secretary. One of the greatest pieces of work done during the war, the laying of the North Sea mine barrage, was of American origin, and was for a time opposed, or at least questioned, by Admiral Sims and the British admiralty on the ground of its supposed Impracticability. But, after the plan

had been decided on, {here was the heartiest co-operation. There was a question as to whether troopships or foodships should have the preference in the matter of convoy, the department holding for the former and Admiral Sims for the latter. For a time there were not many troopships to be convoyed, and then there might perhaps have been more attention devoted to the task of safeguarding the foodships, as it was known that Germany’s submarine campaign was directed against the British food supply. However, the British got enough food to carry them through the war, and our transports were sent across without the loss of a single man. Both jobs were done, and well done. Mr. Danielq is entirely right in saying that Admiral Sims should never have repeated the foolish remark of Admiral Benson. He says further, and quite truly, that the selection of such an admirer of England as Admiral Sims for service In connection with the British navy is the best possible proof of the entire absence in government circles (including Admiral Benson) of any unfriendliness for England, and that further proof is afforded by the harmonious relations that existed between the two services during the war. Of this the secretary said: Our officers and our men felt that they were truly shipmates during the war with their British assistants but they were ” not closer in spirit and more devoted in effort and united in determination to win than were the officers in the navy department in Washington and in the admiralty in London. They made mistakes, and so did the American navy. In mutual co-operation, ashore and afloat, and in the united sacrifice of the men of both nations, there came a mutual esteem and fellowship. Let it be perpetuated in mutual co-operation for the victories of peace.

If there are lessons to be learned from our mistakes, by all meahs let us learn them. But nothing can be gained from attempts to belittle the great achievements of the navy in the world war. We came out of the struggle, as Admiral Benson showed last week, with the greatest naval power that the world had ever seen, not second even to that of Great Britain. Americans should be proud —and they are—of what was done. —lndianapolis News (Rep.)