The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-03-27
THE NAVY.
A Special Message Recommending Immediate
Appropriations for Constructing Vessels.

A Special Message Recommending Immediate
Appropriations for Constructing Vessels.
WASHINGTON, March &c. THE President to-day
sent to Congress the following message recon-
mending appropriations for the construction of
naval vessels
In my annual message I impressed upon Congress
the necessity of continued progress in the reconstruc
ton of the navy, now deem it my duty to advise
that appropriation be made at the present session
toward designing and commencing the construction of
at least three additional steel cruisers and four gun
boats recommended by the Secretary of the Navy,
the cost of which, including armament will not exceed
81 2S3 600 of which onehalf should be appropriated
for the next fiscal year The Chicago Boston Atlanta
and Dolphin have been designed, and are being
built with and skill and there is every to
believe they will prove creditable and servceabe mod
cruisers Technical questions concerning the de-
tails of these additional vessels cannot wisely be
settled except by experts, and the naval advisory
board organized ly direction of Congress under the
act OF Aug D. 1882. and consisting of three line Off
GERS naval constructor and naval engineer, selected
with reference only to character, experience knowl
edge and skill and naval architect and marine en-
eineer from civil life of established reputation and
standing experts in naval marine construction,
is appropriate authority to decide finally all sus IN
questions. l am unwilling to see the gradual
reconstruction OF our navy cruisers now happily
begun, in conformity with modern requirements, de-
laXed one tulI year Tor any unsubstantlal reasons
Whatever conditions Congress may see hit to impose
in order to udicious designs and honest and
economical construction will be acceptable to me; but
TO renqush or postpone policy already deliberate
ly declared will be, in my judgment an act of
tional imprudence Appropriations should also be
made without delay for finishing the four doubletur
reted monitors. the Puritan Amphitrite Terror and
Monadnock, and for procuring their armament and
that of the Miantonomah Their hulls are built and
their machinery under contract and approaching
pletion except that of the Monadnock,
on the Pacific coast. This should also
be built and the armor and heavy
guns of all procured at the earliest practicable
ment. The total amount appropriated to this time for
the four vessels, has been $3 546 OIL A sum not
exceeding $3 S3S, 769, including 1856 725 for four
powerful red cannon andfor the remainder of the ord
outfit will complete and equip them for service
Of the required only 50 900 600 need be appro-
priaed for the next fiscal year 1t not expected
of the monitors will be match for the heaviest
broadside ronelads other have construct
ed at cost of four or five million dollars each but
they will be armored vessels of approved and useful
type and possessed of such seagong capacity and of
fensive power to fully our immediate neces
sites. Their completion having been determined upon
in recent legislation of Congress, time should be
lost in accomplishing the necessary object.
The gun foundry boa, appointed by the direction
of Congress- consisting of three army and three navy
officers has submitted its report duly transmitted on
the Goth of February, 1884 recommending that the
government should promote the production by private
steel works of the required material for heavy cannon
and that two government factories for the army
and for the navy. should be established for the
fabrication of guns from such material
An early consideration of the report is recommend
ed together with such action will enable the gov
ernment to construct its ordnance upon its terr
tory and so to provide the ar1naments demanded by
considerations which the national safety and
honor.