Haggling About The Warships.

New York Times 100 years ago today, July 20, 1912:
    There are rumors of continued opposition to the construction of two battleships this year among the members of the House of Representatives in conference over the Senate's amendment to the Naval bill. It is difficult to account for this foolish obstinacy. The Democratic Party is not opposed to the upbuilding of the navy, and the construction of only two new ships each year cannot fairly be called extravagant. Therefore it is difficult to see how politics affects this matter. Probably the whole trouble lies in the demand for "concessions" to various neighborhoods. Senator Tillman, for instance, is reputed to be angry because the Charleston naval station has not been "properly cared for."
    It is petty business. Nothing should stand in the way of the advancement of our navy on the very eve of the opening of the Panama Canal. Next Monday the First Lord of the British Admiralty, Winston S. Churchill, will make known his plan for an imperial navy. Germany and the other Continental Powers are building ships. The United States Navy must be kept in its proper relative position. The plan to build only two new ships a year is a compromise itself. It should be adhered to.