The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1908-04-16
LONGWORTH PLEADS
FOR RHISFATHER,IN.LAW
Urges Members to Stand by the
President Williams Has
Fling at Hobson-Onc
Warsl,ip to Be Built
at the Navy
Yard.

i
NV of Representatives to- day
Wv decided against the Presi-
dents program for four bat
tleships, and adhered to the recom-
mendation OF its Committee on Naval
Affairs for two vessels of that type.
This result was reached after a debate
which lasted for four hours. and
which was received with applause.
The entire session was devoted to a
consideration OF the navy increase pro-
vision OF the naval appropriation bill.
AS this increase was provided for in
the last section of the bill the measure
was practically concluded with the dis
position OF the provision. The COM
mittee of the whole concluded its
work and will report to the House to-
morrow for final vote on its pas
sage.
The provision for four battleships
was the chief subject OF interest tile
committees recommendation for two
ships of that type prevailing by de-
cisive vote after a flard-fought effort
to increase the number to four The
increase was opposed by Mr.. Tawney,
chairman OF the Committee on Appro-
priations; Mr.. Foss. chairman of the
Committee on Naval Affairs: Mr.. Will
liams. minority leader. and many 9TH
ers. and was advocate ted by Mr.. Cochran.
of New York. and Mr.. Hobson. of Ala
barla. who declared that In relation to
the increase OF other nations four
battleships would only keep the Aneri-
can navy abreast of other great navies.
Pleads for Father-in-Lnw.
Mr.. Longworth. of Ohio. in a vigorous
speech told the House that the Presi-
dent was more interested in this in
crease than in any other question be-
T. -
them had in the last election declared
that they supported him. this was a
good opportunity to make good that
declaration
Mr.. Williams OF Mississippi. referred
to Mr.. Hobson as "a young enthusiast,
ar expert on naval affairs. whose mind
is entirely absorbed along these lines
..He is like an eye specialist he
said. An eye specialist never found
will never find a perfect navy
Referring TO Mr.. Cockran's remarks.
Mr.. Williams said that the president
is commander-in-chief OF the army and
navy of the United States. and not
commander-in-c chief OF the Congress of
the United States.
Right to BE Solemn.
II declare on my solemn response
bility." he continued. that the United
tleships. What is the difference be-
tween my responsibility and the re-
sponsibility Of the President? Have I
not as good a right as he to be
solemn?.''
1T is impossible to talk about any
thing" Mr.. Williams added, until a
reign OF terrorism is brought in sight
If the President should ask for 1.00O,-
600 soldiers, would we yield our judE-
ment to him because he is the Com
mander-in-C -Chief?" he asked.
r Japan did not he said, want trouble
with the United States.
II am tired" he added. "of hearing
this nonsense of seeking peace by pre-
pairing for war"
The enormous resources Of the
United States" he said, with the un-
doubted determination of its people,
would guarantee peace"
An amendment by Mr.. Tawney to re-
duce the number Of new battleships to
one was voted down by an even more
decided majority than was Mr. Hobson's
proposition for an increase to FOUR
a provision for two fleet golfers of
sixteen knots and of 1880 tons capac-
ity. costing slSO0,o00 EACH was adopted.
Amendments were adopted that one
of the battleships and one of the coll
lters shall be built In navy yard.
The bill as it stands authorizes ex-
penditures of $1O7.S37,0OO
The House at $3.50 p. M. took a re-
! cess until 1880 o'clock Tomorrow.