Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1908-05-09
FEWER STATESMEN
(contlnued From Pace 1.l

1
was attested by the tremendous
cheering that gretted his remarks.
In private and In an occasional in
terview the admiral has freely ex-
pressed himself on the needs of the
navy, but his unqualified statement
OF last night, put as bluntly as a
blunt man could put Il, left no doubt
In the minds of his hearers that the
famous sailor wants the American
navy to be the greatest in the world.
He stands squarely with the Presi-
dent on the question OF four battle
ships year, or even more, until
there are not less than As.
The admiral's dramatic appear
ance in the magnificent banquet room
of the st. Francis was a fitting cli-
max to three days of stirring events.
Only select few knew that he would
come to the banquet and they guard
ed their secret well. The setting was
spectacular in the extreme. Speeches
had been made. toasts had been
drunk when came a sudden pause.
At the psychological moment Mayor
Taylor arose and exclaimed:
Before Admiral Evans goes to
bed lot us drink his health" In
stantly the banqueters jumped to
their feet. glasses aloft, the wide
doors OF the banquet room we're
thrown open and the admiral was
wheeled into the room by his faith
full son, Lieutenant Frank Evans
For an instant silence reigned. so
great was the surprise. The admiral
smiled happy smile and then one
of the banqueters shouted, Three
cheers for Fighting Bob Evans.
The roar that followed rang through
c,lt the hotel. The admiral was then
wheeled between the two long tables,
the guests standing with outsretched
hand. Mayor Taylor, fairly dancing
with JOY, rushed up TO the admiral,
grasped him with both hands and,
then turning to the banqueters, ex-
claimed In ringing terms. "Ah, this
Is indeed a crown upon our fete.
Gentlemen, / present Admiral Ev-
ans"
The admiral rose up In his chair
with an effort. and after looking over
the guests and smiling pleasantly, he
said quickly: "1f YOU gentlemen
will kindly be seated | will talk a
little. Cheers and laughter follow
ed. Expressing regret that he was
unable to join in the festivities, he
continued:
"The people ask me why the feet
I Is here. My answer Is: 1T Is here
because | was told to bring II here
| do not think that | am violating
the secrets ot the government when
! tell you that when started cut 7
was told was going out on a pure
| ly peaceful cruise. but that | must
be prepared to fight II necessary. ="
The admiral spoke Of the great
improvement In the navy and then
took up the matter OF the armor
belts. Henry Reuterdahl. who start
ed the armor belt agitation. Was
among the guests and to him the ad-
mIral directed his remarks.
81 know Reuterdahl r. here to-
night" he said. but I don't agree
with him. There is no greater fallacy
than that the insuiiiciency OF the ar
NOR belt. The real fact is that the
man who shoots straight wins, no
matter whether there Is an armor
belt or wood. leather or anything
else"
The speaker hesItated n moment,
the muscles OF his Jaws bulged bis
eyes and flashed. and then, like
thunder bolts. came the words: "If
We want to preserve the peace OF the
world We must have plenty OF battle
ships and fewer statesmen"
Cheering that lasted several min
ntes followed and when the admiral
could be heard again he said:
Give us the ships and the guns
and Wen do what you want us TO
do"
After telling his audience that he
had no words 20 express his gratitude