The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1871-05-20
IRON SHIP.BUILDINa YARDS.
Measures to Economic Expenses i'm the
Navy--suggestions by the secretary
OF the Navy.

Measures to EconomiZe Expenses in the
Neutrality-suspicious. by the Secretary
of the Navy.
WASHINGTON, D. c., April 20.-As
preparatory to early action during the
next session of Congress, the Senate
recently adopted resolution directing
the Secretary of the Navy to cOmmuni-
cate such proposals as may have been
received for establishing iron ship
building yards and docks to economic
expenditures in the navy, with such
explanations, suggestions and recon-
mendations as may be advantageous to
the Government, and as will aid in re-
storing commerce. The reply of the
Secretary was laid before the Senate
Just before the adjournment. He says
the only proposals from any organized
and reliable sources are those of the
International Steamship Company,
which he transmits, with an analysis of
their provision and effect, showing that
by them great advantage will be gained
to the navy and country, and that we
have ores in this country which will
produce iron of a much greater power
Of resistance and tensile strength than
the iron of Great Britain, at no greater
expense than the difference in the cost
of labor; that this superior strength
will equalize the difference in cost, by
lessening the weight of ship and ma
chinery; that by the further gain of
facilities offered in the building docks,
the cost of ships of 5000 tons and up
ward will be equalized with those built
in Europe; that one building yard
operating successfully, with facilities
concentrated, and economy in each de-
partment, will demonstrate our ability
to compete successfully with our com
mercial rivals, and will afford at once
practical encouragement to the revival
of ship-building throughout the coun-
try, and the establishment Of com
merce; that the creation of such q
building yard is n necessity to give it
vitality and permanence; that the Oh
iects proposed present themselves most
and that he feels antflJr1zcd to SPUN:
strongly of the great value and almost
absolute necessity of such facilities to
the Government; that they are neces-
sary to our responsibility and security
IN peace and our safety in
war The Secretary says: Il
will hereafter endeavor to
suggest, IN obedience to your resolu
ton, some system, to be perfected IN
der your deliberations, for the estab
lIshment of lines of ocean steamers.
adapted, as far as may be, for com
merce IN time of peace, and for naval
militia in time of war" He closes his
letter in these words: Il can not as
sumo even under the sanction of your
resolution, to point out, or recommend.
to what extent, in what manner, or un
der what safeguard, the Government
should afford assistance to these OBJ
Iects. This is wholly for the represen-
tatlves of the people, with whom is the
power and the responsibility.
Such system as the Secretary fore
shadows to come in his next report to
Congress, is designed to give steamers
and commerce to every ocean and port,
protection to our coasts ana trade. and
will add reputation and honor to Mr..
Secretary Robson, FORTS Inauguration.
and place our country in the proud 20
sItlon OF the first commercial and naval
power of the world