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Show INT BATTLESHIP FLEETmraiFIC Big Increase ill Military, Navy and Merchant Marine Is Advocated. ' SAN FRANCISCO. Nov. IS. Tho opening open-ing gun of what is designed to be an organized campaign by the states of tho Pacific slopo to secure a battleship fleet In thc Pacific and an increase in the standing army of Iwenty-iivo regiments of Infantry- and cavalry and artillery In proportion 'and the rehabilitation of tho American merchant marine, was fired today to-day when permanent organization of the Pacific Slope consreos was effected. Steps were also taken toward organiz- Lnigi ? ,VP?cI?u CoHsL Defense league." which It is hoped by those behind the movement will extend to the rest of the country and bring about the formation of a national defense league. lie X0,?..vice Presidents aro as follows: Tor California, J. N. Sqott of Los Angeles; An-geles; Oregon, A. B. Manley, Portland: Nevada. Governor-elect L,. L. Oddle: Washington, J. D. Lowman; Arizona, J. w. Lamp: Alaska. Captain E. W. Johnson: John-son: Utah. Governor Spry; New Mexico. Governor Mills: Hawaii, Governor Frcar; Idaho, Governor Brady. The delegates adopted resolutions strongly urging thc increaso in mllilarv and naval power and the upbuilding of a. merchant marine. Thc congress came to an end loinght with a brilliant banquet ban-quet at which 500 covers were laid. Tomorrow To-morrow will be given over to excursions to points of Interest around thc hay. A resolution was presented by Senator Ncwlands of Nevada, calling for tho construction con-struction of an auxiliary navy composed or transports, colliers, scouts, dispatch boats, etc.. to support the fighting ships in case of war. such ships to be used In tlmo of peace as truinlng ships for our naval reserves and also for commercial com-mercial purposes in opening up new routes of trade by:iease to chipping companies. com-panies. ..Mrv rcwlads estimated that an auxiliary aux-iliary fleet, of forty such vessels could be built for $40,000,000. The resolutions committee reported the resolution as "Inexpedient" "In-expedient" and thc congress was of th8 same opinion after Congressman Jiilius Knhn of California had sharply attacked the measure on the floor. Tho resolution urging legislation looking look-ing toward the formation of a merchant marine recited at length the condition condi-tion of American shipping as compared with that of other countries, and concluded con-cluded with. "Rpsotved. that this congress con-gress heartily indorse the efforts of the present administration and of the Congress Con-gress of the United States to enact a law having for Its effect and purpose tho upbuilding of our merchant marine and thc restoration of our flag on tho high seas." |