Blighted

The career of the Naval Bill which authorized building eight new scout cruisers and making major repairs on six battleships, including conversion into oil burners, went forward on a wave of success which suddenly subsided and left it on a reef. The bill, which carried about $150,000,000, was passed by the House (TIME, June 9).

It went to the Senate and was expected to meet stubborn opposition from the "small Navy" men. Instead, the clerk read the bill's title, the Chair asked if there was any objection. There was none. The bill was passed.

Some one had been caught napping. Senator King of Utah had been lying in wait for the bill. But he left the Chamber for a moment. Senator Borah was supposed to be on guard to see that the bill did not pass. He spoke to Senator Hale, Chairman of the Naval Affairs Committee, and had an understanding that the bill would not be brought up at that time. So he, too, left the chamber.

Just 'before six in the evening, prior to the dinner recess, when only a very few Senators remained in the chamber, Senator Hale brought up the bill and it was passed. Shortly afterward Senator King rushed in and made a motion to reconsider the bill. His motion was still pending at seven o'clock the next day when the Senate adjourned. Consequently, the bill was not sent to the President, who had indicated his intention of signing it.