The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1878-05-09
The Proposed New Navy.

Enterprising patriots In Congress, some
OF whom were among the most active sup
porters Of SECoR robson In plundcring
the Treasury now come forward to prove
what they have hitherto persistently de-
MED, and coolly propose TO open fresh set
of books. and To build new navy. They
have invoked the aid OF the heads OF bu-
rcaus several Of whom were badly smlrched
IN the last investigation and all Of whom
swore vigorously in behal' Of robson
These bureau chiefs are earnest in
urging this scheme. wiz r evidence un-
der their own hands that the present So
called navy Is rotten and worthless in every
respect, they are brought face to face with
the stern reality that they must go 10y the
board, or a new outfit must be created 10
give them employment 1t is with them n
struggle for Official existence and perma-
nent pay.
Commodore JErFERs Of the Bureau Of
Ordnance, who was recently examined by
three different medical boards rs to his phys
zeal fitness for promotion, and who finally
passed after two adverse reports, is very
liberal in his views on the Treasury. He re-
piled az follows to the general circular call
ing for information:
"lnmy opinion not les. than ten millions Of dollars per
Annum Tor I've wear, would build up an oneicut navy.
meanwhile keeping in scryiceable condition such o tile
vessels now IN service as are worth repair
He thinks three millions for the present
year would finish, launch aud repair OF the
present stock, six suitable ilagships' for
our Admirals to flourish in, and some in
ferior vessels for actual service. But he
would like to have about one hundred and
sixty-two new ships Of all classes, inclusive
Of twelve fagships.
Rear-Admiral AMMrS of the Bureau Of
Navigation is not quite SO cXactng in his
demands but he deals largely in millions,
which seem 10 pass as tribes in naval eyes
"A probable expenditure OF five millions would be
necessary repairs and construction 10 supply tile waste
from losses and from decay OF vessels such as NM form
the navy In considering the matter however II will b,
based upon annual expenditure OF three million, VI
sHAreon Tor = series ~ years"
Rear-Admiral HOWELL of the Bureau Of
Yards and Docks has scheme OF construc
ton for 1878 49," which is extensive:
"Gpo.Nbe, commence three ironclads. estimated cost
s7m1ooD
rn.h such monitors as may he hvorabiy reported
upon II all are hmi'hed the esmated cost l. - 600
This think, should be a separate appropriation"
In addition to these little items he woulC
ilnlsn Two snlpS now on tHe STOCKS, ana Dullt
two ironclads, so as TO expend three millions
more
Commodore SHUFELDT, OF the Bureau o
Equipment and Recruiting. speaks freely:
II think that an especial Appropriation should be .skc
for In order that the comparatively small ,n a. OOI
90 may be applied Ia purposes already well lulrrGpn
and beyond the reach OF experiment"
However these officers and the whole hos
OF rear admirals commodores, captains
commentaries, lieutenants and ensigns ma,
disagree in other respects, they are solid 70
now navy and magnificent appropriations
II vote could he taken, they would b
unanimous for twenty millions year as tn
least figure worthy Of this great nation.
MI. HARRIS Of Massachusetts, has roporte
q bill from tho Naval Committee OF Tn
House which, reasoning from the inquire
Mr.. THOMPSON addressed to the bureaus
must have originated in the fertile brain {
thS railroad attorney who is now nayigat
rug inc tampeStu0us scas of tbs Navy ID,
p@r'meht' That bill mndestly asks an al
pfoprlatIoh OF three millions Toy this yea
"a DC placed Ia the credit Of n permanol
construction fund OF the navy, In a.