William Taft actually said...

"The effect of the proposed measure would be to promote our officers to the grade of rear-admiral at an average age of 54 to 55, and to make the average of all the rear-admirals about 58."

"I earnestly urge upon the Congress the passage of suitable personnel legislation."

"The creating of higher ranking flag officers is a military necessity."

"The ultimate personnel would reach 3,000 line officers and midshipmen and 60,000 enlisted men; but under the measure as drawn, the full authorized strength of officers and men can not be reached for a..."