New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1873-11-27
THE BROOKLYN MAYNARD.
VISIT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE NAyY-yIEws OF
SENATOR CRAGIS.


Navy, Mr. Robson. accompanied by Admiral Porter ana
Chief Naval Constructor Hanscom arrived at the YARD
and received by Vice-Admral Rowan, Capts
Ransom Mead, and Chandler, with other naval ofcias
salute Of 10 and II guns fred from the battery al
the Dock in honor of the arrival Of the Secretary
and Admiral Porter After short conference the party
accompanied by Constructor Hanscom, made tour OF
the Yard to inspect the preparations now going forward
so vigorously. The Colorado, now nearly finished, at
racted their attention, and the Secretary expressed
satisfaction at finding her nearly ready for sea- lie
made the remark that time should be
lost and whether It be war or peace. he was
determined have everything in readiness
The party proceeded 10 the torpedOb boat Admiral
Porter where the Admiral explained 10 the Secretary
the working Of the craft Mr.. Robson very much
interested in this novel specimen OF naval architecture
and ad that the time might not be far distant when
she could be fairly tested. The Florida and TGress
were inspected from the wharf Returning the party
passed close by 6io s.;es and took good survey OF
her. The opinion ventured that the lInch guns OF
the Colorado nothing Of the l5nch guns OF the
monitors would make sad havoc with her platngwhich
is only inches thick above waterline and Al inches
below. The party then returned to headquarters ana
the Secretary left the Yard after O'clock he Will
next visit Portsmouth, n. H.
The work at the Yard continues with the same yigor
which has marked the movement Of the past week Light
ers were busy employed yesterday in bringing shot she'll
and canister from the ordnance dock for the Coorados
battery and depositing them on the barges moored
alongside. large number Of men were busy engaged
in slowing away the proiectles which give warke tone
TO the preparations board. The slides for the gum
carriages being put down and her battery will be put
on board tomorrow. RigCcrs were busy in putting on
the finishing touches and the Of eaukers, painters
achnsts hard at work The vessels arc to be
got ready in the following order Colorado, Minnesota
Roanoke, Dictator, Florida, Tennessee aud swatara.
orders received yesterday at the Yard to put tho
storeship Supply out Of commission. The officers are
detached and are under waiting orders. Commander
Ralph Chandler arrived early yesterday morning, on his
return from Washington. He Will probably command
the Dictator when in commission. There will be lu
in the work the Yard to-day The boilers OF the equip
mont and steam engineering departments will be over
hauled, and the the ships under repairs viii be
generally maintained. The officers OF the Yard VIII not
be on duty to-day, viii visitors be admitted.
Senator A. II. Cragin Of Nev-Hampshire, accompa-
MED by his SON. H. W. Cragin, visited the Yard yestcr
day afternoon. After dining with Admiral Rowan and
Naval Constructor Hanscou, they taken about the
Yard by Constructor HanscOm, who explained 10 the
Senator the nature Of all the work. As Chairman OF
the Senate Naval Committee Mr. Cragin was very
anxious to make a minute examination of the Yard and
for this purpose visited all the points OF interest The
monitors Roanoke and Dictator regarded with
special attention. He surveyed the Spanish ironclad
attentlyely aud asked many questions OF Mr. Hanso0n
about her strength and tonnage. The hye-oak
frames. the ways. of one OF the eight
steam sloops-of-war authorized by late
Congress next received the Senator's attention.
This vessel WILL when completed carry battery Of
ten ll-inch guns and, Mr.. Hanscom says, will be
the heaviest armed sloopof-war aoat After visiting
the remaining vessels the Senator was shown the new
torpedoboat after which the party Withdrew TO tho
house Of Mr. Hanscom, where they were very Hospitality
entertained.
Senator Cragin said that Spain Is struggling for her
a nd 80 of Wa
tlize with her much possible, but If she cannot
control the actions Of the Cuban officials We must take
the matter into hands. II full and complete
reparat)n the slaughter OF citizens Is made by
Spain and the Vrginus is surrendered to u.s. thcn OF
course the cause OF trouble s removed otherwise
must take possession OF Cuba and enforce the respect
for our flag which of late we have so signally failed to
obtain"
O. DO you think hostltes are prObablel A. That de-
pends mainly on CASTELAR,. Should his Government he
oyerthrown by the party Of Spain and he DO suc-
ceeded BY military dictator like Marshal serrano, 1t
extremely doubtful whether peaceful solution Of our
troubles could be obtained In the event OF the fall of
the republic the objections of and others would
20 to the ground.
O. What do you think that England viii do in the
case A. England has equal interest with us in the
Vlrginius matter, though do not think she will fight.
The concentration OF her immense feet Of irOnclads IN
Cuban will be great moral aid 70 the enforce
effect on our Government should it deem adyis-
able Ihope for peace, peace on honorable terms bur
on no other. We must protect flag ut all hazards
O. Do you think that the navy viii be increased If tho
war-clond blows overt A. Yes, think it will. Our
navy has been up to what it should be- and TINS
matter has shown the importance OF being strong enough
in a naval point of view TO command respect for our
Government and protection for our citizens.
O. Is the Naval Committee unit on this matteri a.
think may say that 1t is. On the assembling Of Con-
ress great effort will be made TO strengthen our navy,
and sufficient extra appropriation for that purpose
Will no doubt be granted. Naval estimates have always
in times peace been opposed by the inland members
who never could the Importance OF keeping up
navy for the protection Of commerce for cruising pur
poses
O. DO You think that We financially able to go to
war; A. Yes, do. In that event the Treasury would
probably convertible bonds and no doubt but the
slnews Of war would be readily forthcoming.