Bill Taft

The effect of the proposed measure would be to promote officers to the grade of captain at an average age of 46 or 47, and to make the average age of all the captains about 50.

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 number of years to come; nor, in any…

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

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

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 commend to the Congress with my approval and the request that action should be taken accordingly.

I am glad to be here at the meeting of the Republican Club on Lincoln's birthday.

It was no violation of the promise to increase the revenues by increasing the tax on luxuries, provided there was downward revision on all other articles.

In what respect has the Republican party failed in its conduct of the Government and the enactment of laws, to perform its duty?

Revisions are like the work of men — they are not perfect.

We did revise the tariff.

I therefore venture to repeat the remark I have had occasion to make before, that the present customs law is the best customs law that has ever been passed.

Parties are like men.

The one substantial defect in compliance with the promise of the platform was the failure to reduce woolens.

I repeat, therefore, that this was a downward revision.

I recommend that favorable action be taken by the Congress.

The Secretary suggests not an act making all Porto Rican citizens American citizens with or without their consent, but an act to provide machinery by which Porto Rican citizens who shall make the proper application for citizenship to a…

I commend to Congress the consideration of the report of the Secretary of War and recommend the adoption of his suggestions, which have been embodied in a bill amending the so-called 'Foraker Act.'

At present there is manhood suffrage in the island, and, as a very large percentage of the voters are unable to read or write, the electorate is not one which should be intrusted with the government.

It is much better in the interests of the people of the island that the suffrage should be limited by an educational and property qualification.

I give my cordial approval to the recommendation made by the Secretary of State and urge upon Congress timely provision in accordance therewith.

Thank you my friends for giving me this opportunity to bring back the reminiscences of the Philippines.

Well, I don't think so.

He moves slowly, he moves deliberately, but he moves always in the right direction.

I am not ashamed of it.