The Watchman And Southron

Coolidge Opposes More Cruisers At Present Time
Washington, Jan. 5.—(SP)—In the face of a gathering storm in congress over enlargement of the American navy, President Coolidge today reaffirmed his opposition to the construction of new cruisers at the present time. In a letter to Chairman French of the house sub-committee considering naval appropriations the president declared that the budget naval recommendations omitting funds for the new ships "represents my best judgment" and added that he felt it his duty to stand by that recommendation. Mr. Coolidge added, however, that he saw no objection to a congressional authorization for more war ships of the cruiser type provided that there was no call on the treasury to carry the authorization into effect. When the letter reached the capitol, the house naval committee was hearing testimony regarding the condition of the navy, including a statement of Rear Admiral C. C. Bloch, the ordinance chief, that the nation's present naval force "includes about 20 old cruisers that wouldn't have a chance against modern ships."