Daily press. [volume] (Newport News, Va.) 1896-current, 1908-04-15
REASONS WHY THEY SHOULD Be BUILT
President Declares That He Can Not
See at the Present Time Any Pros
pcct of This Country Engaging in
War, But Nevertheless the sureat
Guaranty of Peace for Nation is
Great Navy.
lRy Associated Press

WASHINGTON, ID. c.. April H.
The message of the President in
support Of his plan Tor an appropra-
ton for four new battleships. was re-
ceived today by both Houses OF Con-
gresS and attracted much attention.
The debate on the naval appropria-
tion bill was under full sway in the
House when the messge arrived.
a typographical error in the print
of the message was seized upon by
those opposed TO the four battleship
plan. To delay the reading in the hope
that the provision relating to the bat
tleships would he first reached and
thereby discount any effect the mes
sage might lave in bringing menu
Consequently the bill was not laid
before the pubic until just before the
close of the fdags work. II was
eagerly read by the advocates of 4
larger navy.
On an objection by Mr.. Williams.
MIR. lIobson was prevented from hav
ing read n memorial from laboring
men favoring the building of more
ships.
The message was presented in the
Senate Immediately after the conclus-
ion of Senator Foraker's speech and
while Vice President Fairbanks was
engaged in vigorous attempt TO res
tpIe order The secretary OF the
Senate skinned through the docu-
mcnt In short order and motion TO
adjourn ended the dilema.
Senators and members were suppli
ed with copies of the document and
many read 1t with avidity.
Message Vigorous Contention.
The message was brief, but Wig
or0ns contention for the rapid de-
velopement of the navy.
1t was in part as follows: ITO the
Senate and House OF Representatives
Let me again urge upon the Congress
the need of providing for four battle
ships OF The best and most advanced
tyne at this session. Prior to the
recent Hague conference 1t had been
my hope that an agreement could be
reached between the different ma
lions TO limit the increase of naval
ornaments and especially to limit
the size OF warships. Under these
circumstances felt that the con-
struction of one battleship year
would keep our navy up to its then
positive and relative strength.
But actual experience showed not
merely that ii was impossible TO OBJ
tain such agreement for limita-
ton of armiments among the various
leading powers. but that there was no
likelihood whatever of obtaining it
i'm the future within any reasonable
time. Coincidentally with this dis
eoyerv occurred radical change in
he building of battleships among the
reat military nations-a change in
ccordance with the most modern
attleshins have been or being con-
rncted. OF size and armament
which doubtless. trebles their
effectiveness. Every other great
nation has or is Lriilding n num-
her of ships of this kind; we have
provided for but two and therefore the
balance of mower Is now inclinins ag-
ainst us. Under these conditions
"a provide for but one or two battle
ships a year is TO decide that this ma
lion, instead of advancing. shall go
backward in naval rank and reiaiive
mower mong the great nations. Snch
n course would be unwisc for us II we
frontel merely on ono ocean and IL
Is doubly unwise Cor MS II we front on
two oceans.
Earnestly Asks for Four Ships.
CAS- chief executive of the nation
AMI as commandment chief OF the ma
w there is imposed upon me inc
solemn responsibility of advising the
Congress of the measures vitally nee
essary to secure the peace and well
fare of the republic in the event OF
International complications which are
even remotely possible. Having III
Aview this solemn responsibility. ! ear
emesily advise that the Congress now
tbrovidc fonr battleshins OF the most
INdyanced tyne cannot too en-
'SShaticalM soy that this is q measure
ytI neace and not of war. can con
Naive Of no circumstances under wh'ch
isRs republic would enter into an ae-
,AWSslye war: most certainly under