Show 1 I ision IS TWO MEW NEW OATTIE battleships SHIPS pres presidents dent dents a program for construction of four war vessels is defeated by an overwhelming vote washington by an overwhelming vote president roosevelt Roosevel ts a courbat four bat program failed in the sen sell ate just as it did in the house the amendment for four battleships was introduced by senator piles and the fight for its adoption was led by sen ator beveridge Beverl dge twenty three votes were cast for the increased program the number largely being made up of recently elected senators fifty senators voted to support the house and the recommendation ol 01 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 Beverl dge with an eloquent appeal for the support of the prest dent and a suggestion that the larger navy might be needed for war it was developed by senator alit son eon during the debate that there Is a well defined understanding among the senate leaders for the authorization of two battleships each year until the american navy la is regarded as clent 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 the purchase of three additional col hers the construction of gub submarines marines 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 |