William Taft said...

Pledged to support a policy of moderate protection, I can not approve a measure which violates its principle.

I earnestly hope that Congress will take immediate action in this regard, as recommended by the Secretary of War.

The Navy Department has no objection to the proposed salvage operations, but the Department of State holds the view that...

The matter is therefore submitted to the Congress in accordance with the recommendation of the Acting Secretary of State...