Richmond Palladium (Daily), Volume 35, Number 21, 28 November 1909 — Page 13

THE RICHMOND PALLADIUM AND SUN-TELEGRAM, SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 28. 1909.

PAGE FIVE.

10 REORGANIZE ENTIRE NAVY OF UNITED STATES

Department Is Urged by the Swift Board to Have Ships Built and Repaired by Practical Naval Men.

ADVISES EVERYTHING UNDER ONE CONTROL

cnanges Are a Victory for the Younger Element of Service Who Criticised Construction Plans Used.

Washington, D. C, Nov. '21. The United States Navy is to be reorganized from the newest leviathan of the "Dreadnought" type to the armored cruiser and auxiliaries. Misfits, such as the Connecticut, the armor belt of which is said to be almost entirely below the water line, will henceforth be impossible. The fleets of the world power of the Western hemisphere are to become actually the nation's asset of pride on the seas instead of on the blue prints of bureaucratic experts, many of whom have never had the sting of salt and winds in their notrils. In short politics is to be removed from the management of naval bureaus and ship yards and fighting ships are to be built under the supervision of the men who fight them instead of along the plans of civilians and politicians. Best System in World Planned. The Swift board, named months ago to go to the bottom of the naval situation' in the United States and bring out every fault, is about to make its report. The navy department has not yet learned that it is due for reconstruction. Not since the Spanish war revealed the weakness of the American military establishment and the subsequent drastic reorganization which Elihu Root, then secretary of war, succeeded in bringing about, has there appeared a more general upheaval of the organization of the fighting forces of a world power than is foreshadowed in the Swift board report. The board has reached its verdict that the navy department must be reconstructed, after studying the systems of control in the admiralties of all the great nations. The . advisory, .board , idea, for instance, is borrowed from the British admiralty and the plan to put youn? men in control and have the fighters decide what kind of ships to build la taken from the German system. Included in the report is a demand for a thorough reorganization of the navy yard administration. Younger Element Wins Fight. These are issues for which the younger element of the navy has fought for so long in congress and out, before senate naval committees and before the public inspired articles intending to be informing to the mass of people. For months these "insurgents" and all the rest of the navy have been awaiting the outcome of the deliberations of the board. The conclusions of the board are guarded with the greatest care that the navy department has ever exercised in maintaining the secrecy of a report. But, it was- learned today, the "insurgents" have won. The crux of the struggle lay in the effort to limit the functions of the various bureaus and to eliminate the notorious lack of co-ordination among these eight separate and independent' kingdoms each endowed with an au

thority equal to that of the secretary

of the navy, and at times exercising it

In a different direction. Gain Every Essential Point. So It was that the fight of the "in

surgents" centered about the "sys

tem." Their chief efforts were to sep

aratc the administrative from the advisory bodies, to separate both from politics, to relegate the long dominant, ever autocratic bureau of construction to the subordinate capacity of merely supplying the tools of warfare and the finishing of these tools in the way that those who have to use them in battli

insist on having them finished. The "insurgents" have won every essential point for which they had fought. The power of the bureaus Is

curtailed and by the establishment of

an advisory body, co-ordination of such little power that has been left the bureaus is assured. Nor does the reform stop here. But while the reform in navy yard administration is conspicuously imlortant it is in the establishment of an advisory body that the "insurgents" have won their most signal triumph. It is recommended that this body be composed of officers of tested ability, hose sole duty it will be to keep in dote touch with naval progress throughout the world and when congress authorizes an Increase in the naval establishment, to decide upon the leading features of the vessel to be constructed. It is not known by what name this advisory board will be called if. in fact, any name has been selected. But It is understood that its functions will be almost identical with those of the British admiralty. To make this clear to the reader, it may be said that, when this seniol- sea power finds it advisable to add to its naval strength it turns to its admiralty for advice on type and number. This body, composed of the most eminent officers of the service, will say, for example, that to have a battle-ship superior to any, other, the new one must carry so many i

guns of such and such a caliber, must carry them at such and such a height above the water line, mus have a certain thickness of armor and a certain steam radius. The admiralty then turns to the naval construction and asks what displacement is needed to embody all of these features. The construction corps makes the necessary calculations and tells the amount of tonnage that is needed. Then the vessel is built. America's System Loose In our own navy the reverse has been the case. Heretofore a civilian, usually a man stopping temporarily in the navy portfolio while on his way to the office of attorney general, or some other, lays before congress a plea for a certain number of ships. Congress usually cuts the plea in half and then habitually adds the stiplation that the ones which it permits to be constructed must not exceed such and such a displacement. Now, what happens? The various bureaus of the navy are turned loose on the plans. The bureau of steam engineering would make the new vessels museums of machinery. The bureau of ordnance would hold up its end by sending .them afloat protected by armor of extreme thickness and armed with batteries of tremendous power. The bureau of equipment would install the latest devices that come within its province. The result of all this was shown in the flagship Connecticut and her class. All will remember the heated controversy that arose over her armor belt and the contention that when fully equipped for sea the belt was submerged below the water line. "Why not? Built to displace 1.(XX tons our eager bureaus had weighed the vessel down to nearly 1H.hh tons. It was these conditions, here broadly outlined, that the insurgents banded themselves together in a body to correct. These insurgents are. without exception, members of the line, the men upon whom devolve the success or failure of ships in action. Their contention has been that as they are to fight the sliips their voices should be supreme in dictating the kind of weapons with which they are to fight. Their argument is that if

Cfofmag J)ffl at $mhma$MR Palace

NE of the principal causes which have so especially endeared the present King and Queen of England to the hearts of millions of English men and women, scattered throughout the civilized world, wu the

simplicity and homeliness If the word may be used without disrespect of the ordinary routine of their dally lives at Sandringham when they were the Prince and Princess of Wales. The King was never so happy as when he could turn away from all the pageantry of court, and In the tweed suit and felt hat of an ordinary English gentleman endeavor to forget for a while the burdens and responsibilities of his high station. Of the Queen it may be said that as thoroughly as she fulfills the duties of her present position, she was even happier during the years which she spent at Sand

ringham In the bosom of her family. It Is only natural, therefore, to expect that the old-fashioned customs and festivities of Christmas season, the traditions of good will toward all and of bounty and charity to humbler and poorer neighbors and dependents, would appeal especially to natures of this kind. As a matter of fact, the King and Queen spent their Christmas for years at Sandringham In good oldfashioned style, uniting all the mighty feasting, the sports and merriment the decorative use of flowers and evergreens, the Christmas tree with its adornment of tinsel, flags, crackers and flaring tapers, and the midnight Invocation of Santa Claus which were brought over from Germany by the King's father. For some time before Christmas day there wss a stir of preparation about the house. Most of the presents, especially the more costly ones, had been purchased in London beforehand. Great boxes of toys and Christmas cards are sent down by the trades

men of London for inspection and selection. The various cousins, nephews and nieces and the whole troop of relations on both sides of the family by blood or marriage are remembered in some way or other. Many of these tokens have to be sent out some day in advance, so that they will arrive punctually on Christmas morning. Some go to Copenhagen, some to Germany, some to Russia and some to Athens. Early In the week the head gardener sent In several loads of evergreens for the decoration of the house, at which the present Queens of England and Spain not only presided at but took an active part in the work, as they did also In the decorating of the Church of St. Mary Magdalene at Sandringham. where the family attended divine service on Christmas morn. By Christmas Eve the house party was complete ar.d the festal programme begins with a distribution of beef to laborers, workmen and cottagers who live on the Sandringham estate. Of these beneficiaries there are over three hundred. The evening is the time when gifts are exchanged in the family and the Christmas tree Is exhibited. Christmas Day began with the children, who, when they had recovered from the first transports of delight at the charming presents that Santa Claus has apparently brought them, indulged in a wild rush around the house to say "Merry Christmas" to the "grown-ups." Divine

service was held at St. Mary Magdalena'i and was attended by all the house party the suites and domestic household. Aftei sen-tee there was a walk to the kennels, where there were some seventy or e'.fhty dogs. Including Luska. the Siberian dog. which was a present from the Csar. After lunch, if there should happen to be ice. the party would go skating on ttie lake. A favorite amtisement was to adjourn to the American bowling aUey. At this pastime the present Prince of Wales, then Duke of York, was an adept. The crowning ceremony of the day was. of course, the Christmas dinner. The din-

mtttees and the election of officers on Tuesday evening, the congress will adjourn.

KILLS HER FOE OF 20 YEARS. "The most merciless enemy I had for 20 years." declares Mrs. James Duncan, ot Haynesvllle. Me- "was Dyspepsia. 1 suffered intensely after eating or drinking and could scarcely sleep. After many remedies had failed and several doctors save me

ing-room Is a fine saloon, with a carvel ! up. 1 tried Electric Bitters, which

cured me completely. Now I can eat anything. I am 70 years old and ant overjoyed to pet my health and strength back again." For Indigestion. Loss of Arpatlte. Kidney Trouble, Lame Back. Female Complaints, it's unejualed. Only 50e at A. G. Luken Co's.

and fretted roof. The walls are paneled

with large rieces of tapestry set in gilded frames. The table was arranged o that the King and Queen faced each other in the middle. The sideboard is loaded with massive plate. Here and there were festoons of evergreens, relieved bv the f.are cf scarlet berries, adding a festal touch to the whole. Upon the table m-ere tempting concoctions sent from the royal kitchen at Windsor by Queen Victoria. A royal plum pudding, a big. savory woodcock pie. a brace of year old cygnets taken from the swan community of the Thames, and a great boar's head prepared according to the Windsor recipe and rendered ferociously attractive with bristling tusks and encochinealed gums. Truly "a feast for a King" and of which undoubtedly several future kin,;, and queens partook.

they engage an enemy in battle and get licked the people are not going to ask who built the ships, but who fought them. Heretofore the voice of the construction corps, the noncombatant staff, has been dominant in the design of ships. The combatant line urges it as a fundamental principle that those who are to do the fighting may have a say as to what tools they will do the fighting: with.

YOUNG GIRLS ARE VICTIMS. of headache, as well as older women, but all get quick relief and prompt cure from Dr. King's New Life Pills, the world's best remedy for sick and nervous headaches. They make pure blood, and strong nerves and build up your health. Try them. 25c at A. G. Luken & Co's.

A Swell Affair. He I hear the picnic was a swell affair. She It was. We all got stung by wasps.

II GREATER SOUTH: A GREATER NATION That Is the Slogan Chosen by The Southern Commercial Congress.

TO MEET AT WASHINGTON

MEMBERS OF THE ORGANIZATION ARE THE LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF DIXIELAND AND ALL ARE WORKING TOGETHER.

Washington, D. C, Nov. 27. "For a greater nation through a greater

South" is the slogan of the Southern Commercial Congress, which will meet here for the first time since its organization at Washington on December 4, 1908, on December 5 and T. This congress is composed of the leading business men of the South, whose aim it is to make that section of the country of greater commercial importance, thereby adding to the general welfare of the nation. The three most Important subjects to be considered are "Neglected Agricultural Opportunities in the South." Manufacturing Opportunities in the South" and "Colonization Opportunities in the South." These three questions will be discussed by leading business men and statesmen, and steps will be taken toward establishing a vigorous campaign of publicity with a view of attracting outside capital and settlers. Three Sessions a Day. Morning, afternoon and evening sessions will be held on Monday and Tuesday and following the adjourn

ment, all in attendance will be invited to be present at the opening session of the National Rivers and Harbors congress on December S. when President Taft will address the delegates.

John M. Parks, president of the or-i ressels.

ganization will deliver the opening address on Monday morning, and he will be followed by Secretary of War Dickinson. Mr. Thos. L. Field, of London, will then deliver an address on "The Opportunity for Southern Propaganda in the British Isles." Prominent southerners will speak at (he afternoon session and in the evening an illustrated lecture will be given on the "Opportunity Patent in the Panama Canal" by Mr. Claude X. Bennett, manager of the Congressional bureau. Hon. Willet M. Hays, assistant secretary department agriculture; Mrs. It. S. Kellogg, assistant forester and Dr. J. A. Holmes, will be among those who will address the congress on Tuesday. Following the reports of the com-

TTts Franklin Expedition. The greatest tragedy of the far north, says a writer in the Hostoa Uenild. was that of the Sir John

Franklin expedition. Franklin sailed i in 1S45 with two ships, the Erebus i and the Terror. They passed up the I west coast of Urveuland ami were last seen In latitude 74 degrees 48 ruioutev For three years nothing was heard of the party. Then expeditions were seut

out. and the discovery after rears of the records of the voyage as well as of many skeletons showed that the com

mander, officers and crews of the tws

to the number of 134. ha4

(wished to a man. Their fate waa only finally revealed la ISM by Dr. liae of the Hudson Bay company and in 1S5D by Captain McCltntock.

Mixed. A sergeant waa ouce drilling a sqnae) of recruits. Tbey were incredibly i noraut. One of them could not tell bit right hand from bis left. The sergeant proceeded to teach them and al last attained some degree of suacees. Sergeant Now. yer blessed idiot, bold yer bands in front of yer and twist them round one over tbe other. Stop: Now. which is your left ban4 and which is your right? Recruit (looking at bis hands for a moment) I'm blowed If 1 know. I've, gone and mixed 'em! London Answers.

Kitahooxkbuet Has a MsDouiall aams pltU-iopKfirit.

O R A C T I C A L

In making your selection of Holiday Presents, call and see what we have in store in the way of Practical Presents. They will not only make pretty presents, but very useful ones. Below are a few of the useful articles that we wish to suggest:

Our Kitchen Cabinets will be sold at a discount of per cent below the usual price. They are just the

ing that the housewife needs and appreciates. From $8.50 to $33.00

TaLbow Irenes'

We have Tabourcttes in Golden Oak, Mission and Mahogany, ranging in price From 40c to $7.50 A Very Suggestive Article For a Present

Library Tables Just in! A very complete line of Library Tables in Oak, Mission and Mahogany, that range from $2.00 up to S 30.00. A nice present.

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Dinning Tables A new line of dining tables, just in. Some solid oak, 1 1 inch pedestal, that are beautiful, at 8 1 4.00. Others from S9.05 up to $40.00.

Through the Holiday season we will offer a Sewing Machine, guaranteed for 10 years, at $15.00.

octieirs

Rockers of all kinds from $1.50 up to $50.00; a very useful present to make a friend

All Goods Sold For Either Cash or Payments. Why Not Havo a Merry Xmas ?

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