"Our new ships will embody the general characteristics of armament, the general board recommends," the secretary's statement said, after explaining that only the question of limited facilities led the secretary to alter the board's recommendations as to the number of ships to be laid down in 1917. "I am thoroughly with the general board," he added, "that we should build this year as great a part of our program as possible, and I think my recommendations have reached the limit of that possibility, if indeed. I have not exceeded somewhat the practical capacity of our shipyards."
The board recommended the construction of four battleships and two battle cruisers, while the secretary held that three battleships and one battle cruiser were all that would be undertaken in view of the tremendous program contracted for this year.
Concerning Sharp, the Military Committee said that the army still is far behind in recruiting for the increase. His statement was in line with that of Major General Scott, chief of staff, in his annual report made public today. General Scott declared that universal military training and service would be the only solution to the recruiting problem.
Universal service also came up at the Naval Committee hearing, Admiral Mader saying that this was the "one grand answer" to all problems of war.  Certain in the realm of naval ships. 