The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1908-04-28

" V
the Senate to-day, Just as
1T did in the House The amendment
for four battleships was introduced by
Senator Piles. and the fight for Its
adoption was led by Senator Beveridge.
Twenty-thre votes we're cast for the
Increased program, the number largely
being made up OF recently elected Sem
ators. Fifty Senators voted to support
the House, and the accommodation OF
the Senate Naval Committee In favor
Of building only two battleships.
The debate on the battleship amend
ment lasted three days, to the exclusion
OF all other matters. 1t was begun by
Senator Beveridge with an eloquent ap-
peal for the support OF the President,
and a suggestion that the larger navy
might be needed for war Members OF
Senator for this yelled hint of war with
another country. and sought to make
him admit that he meant Japan. At
times the discussion came near be-
coming acrimonious especially sharp
exchanges occurring between Senator's
Aldrich and Beveridge. The formers
references to Mr.. Beveridge excited
Senator Smith OF Michigan. to protest
against the Senate chamber being
made slaughter house for the young
Senator from Indiana"
AutnOflZe Two Each 4 ear
It was developed by Senator Allison
during the debate that there is a we'll
defined understanding among the Sem
ate leaders for the authorization of
two battleships each year. until the
American Navy is regarded as sufficient
to meet any demands that may be
made upon it. AS finally passed the
bill carries appropriations aggregatins
$123,115,659, and provides for the con-
struction of two battleships and two
Golfers. and the purchase OF three adj
ditional colliers. the constructlon ot
submarines and other necessary craft,
enlisted men, as we'll as increasing both
the pay and the strength ofSthe marine
corps. s
Day of Great Debate.
Debate on Senator Piles amendment
for four battleships was begun when
the Senate met to-day.
Senators Stone. Carter, clapp. For-
8aker, Allison. Perkins Hemenway,
Dick, Daniel and Bacon spoke In oppo-
sition to the four-battleship amend
ment. Among those who spoke in fa-
vor of four battleships were Senators
Owen, Dupont. Hepburn, Fulton and
Beveridge
Senator Newlands. Of Nevada. spoke
IN .1aVOrs OF MS dpplOpI4dk.
ing S2OO00,000 for colliers and auxil-
tiaries for the navy to be used in times
OF peace as training ships orr to be
leased to private shipping companies
for. the extension OF. commerce.
Mr.. Hale interrupted TO say that
five efficient colliers were as much
as the committee could see its way to
recommend at this time. Mr.. Hale
said the committee In recommending
two battleships. would expect.to. pro-
vide that number annually and keep
the navy the second in the world.
Senator Foraker referred to the
Presidents Recommendation in 1905 for
one battleship, and read his recent mes
,sa ge. in which reference was made to
his former belief that The Hague con-
ference would result in fixing some
Limitation of armament. Mr.. Foraker
said he could find nothing in the mes
sage OF 1908 which Indicated that the
President had any earnest expectation
that armamen would be limited Never
in all the twelve years have been
in this Senate has the sky been so
bright as a this moment" he said, re-
found In the financial deficit rea-
son for avoiding extraordinary ex-
penditures.
i ouaAu -ouS OAulcls
Declaring that there is no cloud OF
war on the horizon, Senator Daniel, OF
Virginia, said that the building Of a
navy slowly is the best method for
securing an efficient navy
Senator Bacon, of Georgia., said that
for 100 years, the United States had
not had a war except Of its ownimak-
ing, and 1t would not have one for 100
years. The necessities OF commerce
and the commanding place OF this
would prevent war s45
Senator Beveridge said an attempt
had evidently been made to make his
speech and not the amendment for four
battleships the main issue. "In tho
inference made from IT." he said, ION
Saturday, as the record will show, not
one quotation was made correctly. This
was done,' continued Mr.. Beveridge,
"to divert the attention of the Senate
from the real issue, the construction
of four ships. which," he said. "ls the
request OF the President"
Instead Of being the second naval
powers the United States, he said, would
be the fourth or fifth II the present
policy Is not changed, IT speak for
no ono but myself" he declared, "as I
said in my original rem9rks.
BeveridEe Apostolic Delegate.
Senator Aldrich, reading from the
Congressional Record. said that he had
not misquoted the Senator from Indi.,
ana. and declared that the remarks, as
shown by the record. were even more
positive than his recollection of them.
Mt. Beveridge's s speech, Z Mr.. Aldrlch
said Indicated y that the Indiana Sena-