264 BANQUET. 



But there is not a man in this audience who would see a person starve, even if he were the 

 greatest criminal. We must be merciful, but we must reverse the usual order of things; 

 we must temper our mercy with justice (applause), a justice so complete that never again 

 so long as this old world lasts shall there be a repetition of the horrors of the last four years. 

 That is the only theme on which I dare venture to speak, because I must not interfere with 

 the subjects of those who will follow me. In connection with this matter of justice I wish 

 to say that I did my best, aided by our good friend on my right (Secretary Daniels), to have 

 with us to-night a guest to address you who would have cheered your hearts, but in reply to 

 my invitation for him to be present, I have received this letter : — 



THE WHITE HOUSE 



WASH INCTON 



22 OctoTjer, 1918 



l/6r dear Mr. Taylor: 



Kiowlng, as I do, the very valtiaTsle services vAxtch 

 the Society of Nav&l Architects and Marine Bigineers l»ve 

 rendered the cottntry in these days of stress, it ia a 

 peculiar disappointment to me that I cannot Join the Society 

 at its anntial banquet on Novemher 15th. I am siare that the 

 members of the Society will know that I am kept a\my only 

 by a pressrre of ptSblic duties which clearly deprives me 

 of the right to Seek my own pleasure. 



Cordially and sincerely yoiws, 



Wt' Stevenson Taylor, President, 



Society of Naval Architects and Marine Bigineers, 



66 Beaver S.treet , New York. 



