LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT. 
THE WHITE HOUSE 
WASHINGTON 
October 25, 1922. 
My dear Mr. McFarland: 
I regret exceedingly that it is not 
possible for me to be in attendance at the banquet 
of the Society of Naval Architects and Marine 
Engineers, which is to be held on the evening of 
November 9th, in connection with the program of 
observance of American Marine Week. With all my 
heart I wish I might be a participant on that 
Occasion. No one purpose more enthusiastically 
enlists the attention of the present administration 
at Washington than that of turning our vast assets 
in ships into a live and efficient Merchant Marine. 
Every day adds to the conviction that the upbuilding 
of our Merchant Marine is of first importance in 
assuring our national defense and of incalculable 
importance in maintaining America's fitting place in 
the commerce of the world. It would be a pleasure 
to me to express some of my hopes and convictions 
to those who will be present at your annual banquet. 
Since I am unable to attend I will thank you to convey 
my very cordial greetings and tO express the hope that 
American Marine Week and this notable meeting of your 
society will add to American conviction that we must 
establish and maintain this agency of transportation 
on the high seas if we are to maintain a position of 
becoming eminence in the world of trade. 
Very truly yours, 
Mr. Walter M. Mctarland, 
29 Jest 39th St., 
New York City, N. Y. 
