William Taft actually said...

"The Navy Department has no objection to the proposed salvage operations, but the Department of State holds the view that these wrecks are public property of the United States, which may be alienated o..."

"Of course if it shall turn out that the most thorough excavation will not disclose the cause we must be content, but as long as there remains unexcavated any portion of the mud and debris within the w..."

"I concur fully in the conclusions which the Secretary of War has reached and in the recommendations which he makes."

"It appears that a Norwegian company has applied to the Cuban Government for permission to raise these wrecks and that before considering the proposition the Cuban Government desires to receive the vie..."