The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1873-11-17
ing only crew, provisions, and munitions

ing only crew, provisions, and munitions
to be effective; the Susquehanna, Florida,
and the Nevada all Of which could be made
serviceable, it is thought, within two weeks.
The monitor Roanoke, the sole represent
ative Of her class in the yard, and the Dela-
ware, just relieved from service as q hospital
ship ut quarantine, are anchored in the
stream.
Between 2..and o'clock, on board of the
Vermont, draft Of men for the Powhatan
were piped on deck. luggage in hand, and
conducted over the side to their new quar-
ters. The first officer said he had not re.
celred orders to send men to other ships
than the Kansas and Powhatan.
The mons0bus Arapiles, boast and pride
OF the Spanish navy, is nearly In condition.
The foreman in charge Of her repairs thought
she would be seaworthy within fortnight.
This vessel and her consort, the Zarasoza,
which put to sea last month, were ordered
from certain Clyde shipwrights by The Con.
federate States, but not being ready for de.
livery remained on the bands Of the makers
until Spain purchased them.
Admiral Rowan said 81 have received
no orders to-day from the capital to increase
the force of employees or to tit out any other
ships than are now in hand. ! lam unpre-
pared to say, however, how soon such in-
structions may come. The administration
OF this, and every other navy-yard in tie
United States. is crippled by one want, and
that is money. Congress does not seem to
appreciate fully how expensive luxury =
navy is, and doles out appropriations with
too little liberality. II we were able to reft
each vessel as soon as she returns from
cruise, instead of deferring it indefinitely,
we would be at all times ready for an emer.
gency like the present. With sufficient
funds we could completely restore every re-
turning ship-oi.war within week Of her ar.
rival. Our navy is in measure fiction,
for the great majority of the men-of.war that
are rated seryicable, and arc In commission,
are in reality shells, Worn out by blockade
and station service, and with their boilers
burnt nearly out.'
Naval Inspector HanScome said: we
have four vessels ready or nearly ready for
sea-the Kansas, Juniata. Ossipee, and Pow.
hatan. The last ship goes to Newport at
once to test Admiral Porter's torpedo.boat.
We will not be found wanting in energy if
occasion for extraordinary activity should
arise"
The Powhatan sailed last night. Her com.
mander Captain Reed, has already had q
slight experience with the Spaniard, and
curiously, too, in connection with the Vir-
giuius. Three months ago the Virginius,
the Kansas, aud big Spanish gunboat were
in port at Aspin nwall. The Virgiuius pre-.
pared to sail, and was ordered by the Span.
lard to remain in port, on the ground that
she was in u contraband trade, violating the
neutrality laws.
Captain Reed examined the Virginiuss
papers, found them all right, aud told the
captan to 60 ahead. Reed then returned to
the Kansas, ppcd all hands to quarters, and
ran out the guns. The Spaniard piped to
quarters and ran out her guns, outnumber-
| ing the Kansas four to one. The Kansas
| weighed anchor and conveyed the Virglnlus
out of port, followed by the Spansrd for q
short distance. The Spaniard soon turned
| back.