Evening star., 1938-01-24
ROOSEVELT NAVAL
MESSAGE DELAYED
President Reported to Be
Giving Careful Considera-
tion to Program.
BY ]. RUSSELL YOUNG.

, WIllS f1ouSe OIlClalS To-Day SAID
President Roosevelt's special message
dealing with an enlarged naval build
ing program probably will go to Con-
gress at the end of this week or
early next week
The President began work on this
message several days ago after hold
ing long series of conferences with
Navy heads and congressional leaders
and while he has all the information
he needs, he has deliberately taken
his time over writing.
The message is being looked for
ward to with more than ordinary in
terest inasmuch as 1t is expected to
provide for a substantial increase in
the fighting craft of this country.
During the forenoon today the
President discussed national defense
as reflected in the contemplated Navy
supplemental appropriation bill with
Secretary of War Woodring and Gen.
Malin Craig, chief of staff Of the
| Army.
Naval Program Faces Opposition.
House and Senate blocs or uncer-
tain strength indicated today they
would oppose the naval expansion
which President Roosevelt is ex-
pected to propose in his message.
Members Of an anti-battleship
group in the House said they would de-
mand full explanation OF the need for
q larger navy.
On the Senate side a greatly en-
larged navy is opposed by some men,
bers Of the so-called neutrality bloc.
including Senator Nye, Republican,
Of North Dakota.
Despite signs of bitter contest,
Chairman Vinson, Democrat Of Geor-
gia, Of the House Naval Committee,
expressed confidence the program
would be approved speedily.
Il think the Congress will support
the President" he said.
Mr.. Vinson already has prepared
Dill to carry out Mr.. Roosevelt's
recommendations. but has guarded de-
tails carefully.
Some other well-informed Congress
men have said they expect the Presi-
dent to recommend authorization of
all types Of warships in excess of the
present limitations. which were based
on the 1880 London naval treaty.
That treaty expired December 81, 1896.
Naval oficials have predicted the
President would not ask at this time
for an appropriation to begin work
on the additional ships he wants
authorized.
The naval appropriation bill recently
approved by the House and now be-
fore Senate Committee would pro-
vide funds for work on ~ previously
authorized vessels, including two
dreadnaughts
Jackson Sees President.
Assistant Attorney General Robert
H. jackson, who Is understood to stand
at the top Of the list Of those being
considered for appointment as Solici-
tor General to succeed Associate
Justice Stanley Reed, conferred with
President Roosevelt today.
A frequent caller at the White House
during past weeks when he has re-
peatedly flayed business monopolies"
and "lack of business cooperation
with the administration" Mr.. Jack
son was accompanied to the Execu-
tive Mansion by Benjamin Cohen, one
Of the administrator advisers.
Among other callers today were
Jesse Jones, chairman Of the Recon-
struction Finance Corp: Senator
Caraway Of Arkansas, who with Repre-
sentative Terry Of that State, dis
cussed educational matters; Assistant
Secretary Of State Sayre. whose sub
ject was trade treaties; Henry Grady,
member Of the United States Tariff
Commission; william Hirth, editor Of
the Missouri Farmer and former presi-
dent of the Missouri Farmers Associa-
ton: Senator Hitchcock Of South
Dakota, who presented former Gov.
TON Berry Of that State: Secretary
Of Labor Perkins and Secretary Of the
Treasury Morgenthau. . luncheon
guest.