Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-01-02
NEWPORT NEWS.
Young Mems Democratic Ci"n En-
tertafnmcnt--Coast DefeIce.

NEWPORT NEWS. January l.-(spe-
ciai)-The Young Mems Democratic oluo'
of this city. kept open house last ''sn',
and many guests availed themselves VI
the clubs hospitality, the most distih-
,,,isbed being Hon. ID. Gardiner Iyler'
Congressman from this district An eie-
yant hanouet was served, after "h'ch
The following toasts were RESPONDED u
by the gentlemen named: .,
sThe Young Mems Democratic Ciup'
j. ID. G.. Brown.
Newport News" a. {. Garrett M
"The County Of Warwick ID. q. smith,
ssVirginia," IL. l.. Edmunds.
."rhe Democratic Party" j. X. Nj.
Newton.
Hon. D. Gardner Tyler.
"The Monroe Doctrine" r. G. Bick-
ford.
.'The New Battleships," NJ. V. Daughiy:
"Tbe President Of the United States
]. A. Massie.
COAST DEFENCES.
The following resolutions nave peeh
drafted by a committee appointed Tor the
purpose at a special meeting of the busi-
ness-Mens Association:
whereas. the attention of the Bust
ness-Men's Association OF Newport News,
Va. has been called 10 Senate Bill NO S5f
introduced in the United states Senate
December 4, 1926, by Mr. Squire. pro-
v,ding for Notifications and other sea-
coast defences; and,
Whereas, the commerce Of Newport
News. Va, is increasing at as great II
not greater, rate than that OF any city
on the Atlantic coast: and,
''Whereas, Newport News, Va, is the
site of the largest and best-equipped
shipyard in the United States, at which
three gunboats for the government are
now being constructed. and where two
frst-class battleships are TO be built at
once. all of which are SUBJECT 10 destruc-
ton by foreign invasion; and
whereas, the harbors of Newport News
and Hampton Roads and Norfolk are the
largest and most convenient on the
Atlantic coast for merchant. marine, and
naval vessels, and in which are located
two Of the finest coaling stations on the
Atlantic coast as well as being the
terminals Of many railroad systems,
traversing the entire continent. ana in
direct line of internal navigation from
Maine to Florida; and.
Whereas, the proper defence of these
harbors would afford absolute protec-
ton TO Norfolk, Portsmouth, Peters
burg, ana ltlcnmOnf. as wen d. -NtN port
News. and add largely TO the safety
OF the cities Of Baltimore, Alexandria,
and Washington; and.
THREE SHIP-YARDS.N
Whereas, in addition 20 the immense
property interests al these cities. there
are located three 1hip-yards-one at
Portsmouth, one at Sparrow's Point.
and one at Newport News-each capable
of building battleships which would he
absolutely essential TO the government
In case of war: and,
Whereas. all OF these vast interests
are without any protection, other than
that afforded by Fortress Monroe, and
the ships Of the navy; and. believing II
necessary that prompt action be taken
20 provide additional safeguards for the
same: therefore be il
Resolved, That the Business-M Mems
Association, of Newport News, Va,
most respectfully request our Senators
and Representatives IN Congress from
Virginia TO use their utmost and best
endeaHors 10 secure the passage OF this
or some other measure for the proper
defence OF our coast harbors; and be
II further
Resolved. That a copy of these resolu-
tons be sent TO each OF our Representa-
tives and Senators in Congress as early
as may be practicable.