New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1873-11-19
SECRETARY ROBEsON's VISIT.
HE HAS A CONFERENCE WITH THE OFFICIALS At TIE
BkOOKLYN NAVY UNDERTAKING. fOR WAX

HE HAS A CONFERENCE WITH THE OFFICIALS At TN
BROOKLYN MISUNDERSTANDING FOR CwAB
To SECURE PEACE.
The principal event at the Brooklyn Navy
Yard yesterday the visit Of Secretary Robson
Capt HanscOmb, Chief OF the Bureau OF Construction
and Repairs, summoned In the morning to the
secretarys room at the Fifth Avenue Hotel for the pur
OF communicating the information he had obtained
concerning the Dictator, which recently examined
by him at ewLOndon. He reported that she could be
made ready days. and IL is understood that the
Secretary will order her into commission ct once. This
conference will also obviate the necessity OF visit by
him 20 New London, as Capt. Hanscombs Information
was considered sufficiently definite the case
Mr. Robson then proceeded TO tho NavyYard in com
pany with Capt Hanscomb whore he was coseted with
Vce-Admiral Rowan from II O'Clock until $3.50 D. NJ.
during which time Chief Engineer Henderson OF the
Steam Department Of the yard Chief Engineer Sewe In
charge Of machinery afoat Capt. Mead. Inspector OF
Ordnance; Capt. Chandler OF the yard police, and Capt
William L. HInscomb Of the Naval Construction Bureau
were alternately summoned to conference with them
The Secretary cOntented himself with the proxy In
spectiOn thus made, and did not Vlslt inc
various departments OF the yard. On being
questioned by TRIBUNE reporter concerning the object
Of his present visit. he said ~ have no hestancy
about giving the sole OF my visit; 1t ia simply
that may by careful personal examination DO able 10
determine now best to facilitate and push the work on
hand want to remove all technical impediments to
the prosecution Of work OF putting our navy in the
best possible condition for either peace war; When
asked his opinion to the probability OF
war with Spain. the Secretary said 1--WE
want to secure peace by being prepared for
war;" He also ntimated that he believed
the exgences OF the warranted the expedition that
was being observed the fitting out Of the navy. His
retcenoe concerning many things connected with his
movements has caused division OF opinion concerning
the real object his visit One idea Is that the Admin
stration has determined upon more vigorous policy
than II expedient avow and another opinion (Which
mas the largest acceptance at tho yard is that owing 10
the excited condition OF the popular mind Secretary
Robson has deemed 1t expedent to visit the several
yards for the purpose OF collecting material for very
exhaustive report accompany the Presidents annual
message TO Congress II is understood that his sanction
has been given 70 all proposed by the several
heads OF bureaus at the yard that are compatible Win
the present resources OF the Navy Department
very large force at work upon the Colorado, ana
the Minnesota has been lowed from her slip alongside
the Delaware where the work Of removing her pent-
house is now in progress The Dictator Is well spoken
Of at the yard from the fact that she lay in her ship
house Is years being launched thereby becoming
SO thoroughly seasoned 10 be almost proof against
rot Ene Will be towsd to the Brooklyn yard In few
DAYS No other changes OF note have taken place since
Yesterday except employment of so additional men
in the Construction Department.
The Junata was somewhat delayed in the taking on
OF her powder By The OF her crew were
sent on board D. and she is. now. on her way
10 join Admiral Scott Of the North Atlantic Squadron