Show IS TWO HEW battleships P s program for construct on of four war vessels is defeated by an overwhelming vote washington by an overwhelming vote president roosevelt s four bat program failed in the sen ate just as it did in the house the amendment tor four battleships was introduced by senator piles and the fight for its adoption was led by sen ator beveridge twenty three votes were cast for the increased pro gram the number largely being made up of recently elected senators fifty senators voted to support the house and the recommendation of the senate naval committee in favor of building only two battleships the debate on the battleship amend ment last three days to the exclusion of all other matters it was begun by senator beveridge with an eloquent appeal for the support of the dent and a suggestion that the larger navy might be needed for war it was developed by senator aall son during the debate that there Is a well denned understanding among the senate leaders for the authorization of two battleships each year until the american navy ts regarded as sufi dent to meet any demands that may be made upon it As finally passed the bill carries ap aggregating and provides for the construction of two battleships and two colliers and tha purchase of three additional col hers the construction of submarines and other necessary craft and in creases the pay of officers and enlist ed men as well as increasing both the pay and the strength of the marine corps |