Coeur d'Alene evening press. (Coeur d'Alene, Idaho) 1907-1929, 1908-04-16

vote Of 199 10 IS the house OF rep
resentatives decided against the presI-
dents program for four battleahips
and adhered to the recommendation
Of its committee on naval affairs for
two vessels Of that type. This result
was reached after debate which
lasted for four hours and was re-
ceived with applause.
The entire session was devoted to
consideration OF the navy increase
provision OF the naval appropriation
bill. AS this increase was provided
in the last section OF the bill. the
measure was practically concluded
with the disposition OF the provision.
The provision for battleshipa was
the chief subject Of interest. the COM
mittee's recommendation for two
ships OF that type prevailing by de-
cisiye vote after hard-fought effort
20 increase the number 10 four. The
increase was opposed by Mr.. Tawney,
chairman of the committee on appro-
priations; MIR, Foss. chairman Of the
committee on naval affairs; MIR. VIII
Jams, the minority leader, and others,
but was advocated by Mr.. Hobson OF
Alabama, who declared that In rela-
ton 10 this increase OF other nations
four battleships would only keep the
American navy abreast OF other great
nayies.
Mr.. Longworth OF Ohio, In ylgor-
Gus speech. told the house that the
president was more interested In this
increase than in any other question
before congress and as practically all
OF them had IN the last election de-
clared that they supported him. this
was a good opportunity TO live up 10
that declaration.
An amendment by Mr.. Tawney 10
reduce the number Of new battleahips
to one was voted down by an even
more decided majority than was Mr..
IIobson's proposition OF an increase 10
four.
A provision for two fleet colliers
of I 9 knots and $500 tons capacity.
costing $780, geo each, was adopted.
Amendments were adopted that one
of the battleships and one Of the col
Tiers shalI be- built in a navy yard.
Mr. Humphrey OF Washington read
a brief note addressed 10 him by the
president, dated April 10. expressing
surprise that any one should oppose
four more battleships and Mr. Hum
phrey, waving his hand toward both
sides OF the house. said that every
body knew that al the bottom OF the
opposition TO battleships was a design
TO create campaign material.
Mr.. Hayes OF California said that
he voiced the desire OF the people OF
his state In speaking for four battle
ships. lie declared that there lis q
race question on the Pacific coast, an
acute race question. and We OF the
coast shall insist upon our right not
TO be submerged by the hordes OF the
orient who are streaming across the
western sea--coolies and laborerB to
take possession Of America west Of
the Rocky mountains"
Mr.. Parker OF New Jersey held up
the territorial isolation OF Alaska AZ
one argument for n greater navy.
Says President Tried Hun.
Mr.. Willett Of New York asserted
that a few days ago the president
said TO a committee from this house
who called on him at the White
House--said Il in the presence Of
other persons. with yehemenee and
facial distortions--that unless you
give me four baitleships ! will veto
your public buildings bills. That's
the trouble with this situation,
Mr.. Chairman. The president at
tempts -
Mr.. willett was interrupted By Mr.
HObsOn. who. speaking with much
feeling. said: In justice 20 the
president. wish to inform the gen.
tieman from New York that saw
him a minute after he said that. He
told me that he was forced TO say II
because knowledge had reached him
Of = threat circulated In the hOuss
that unless the naval program wa
cut to twO ships the leaders in the
house wauid see 70 Il that there was
no public buildings bill Al all"
Mr. Cochran OF New York made q
striking speech In favor Of the build.