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Show TAFT ADDRESSES I PEHCEJEETIIB WASHINGTON. Feb 23 President Taft, speaking at the peace meeting oflthe Navj league hero today, declared de-clared the time had come for this country to be economical at tho expense ex-pense of an adequate naval establishment; establish-ment; oxpress tho hope that the preb-ondcougress preb-ondcougress would authorize the construction con-struction ot two battleships and said he ijvould gladly sign a b.ll that car-i car-i IeJ, such an authorization. "In order to keep up with, other nation?, na-tion?, I don't think two battleships arejpo many," said the president. "I am partly responsible for the government govern-ment and I am euUroly willing to meet thatl responsibility by signing a bill for two battleship Rear Admiral Wainwrisht, U S. N.. retired, Representative Swager Shor-loy Shor-loy of Kentucky and Cliarles Francis Adams of Boston were other speakers speak-ers at this meeting, the last of tho aoventh annual convention of the league. Secretary Meyer accompanied Prosident Taft to tho meeting. "I am In favor of a good strong navy that would enable this nation to maintain Us position and make our reasonable demands on othor countries coun-tries respected," Bald the president. "I don't think the time has come to cconomlzo In respect to the navy The navy is expensive, but so Is the army, bo 1b jvar and tho expense, of the three Ie a good reason for the abolition aboli-tion oflvar, If there were., none other. But until war Ib abolished, wo should meet tlio situation and we Bhould bo lacking m foresight and common sense unless wo did. "1 sincerely hope this congress will glvo usltwo battleships. Other vessels ves-sels inajibe necessary, but battleships aro tho basis of a navj. "Tho Panama canal Is being built for twolfeasoua One Is to furnish nn. avenue of commerce for the world, tho otheiv so that the eaBl and west coasts offour country shall be brought nearer. Kl present the logic of tho situation would require us to have two navies. The Panama canal will double th efficiency of tho navy and then wo nm consider economy." Admlral"WolnvrIght told tho dole-Bates dole-Bates tho war with Spain would never have occuned If tho United States had possessed tono 0r two more battle-i battle-i ships in 190S. Representative Shorley urged the leaguors tolnslst that a "program" of naval tonRlructlon be presented to congress. Ho suggested the form of a. board composod of army aM navy olllcors andjbf representatives of tho executive department to draft such a program that would bo consistent and changod only whon tho board advanced ad-vanced goodfrea&ons |