The Press., 1885-07-23
WASHINGTON LETTER.

WaSnlnStOn, D. C.,sJuly lS lSco.
 As write I hear the throbbing of half a dozen engines trying to extinguish the flames of four newspapers on fire, 'sThe Post, "The Republican, "The Gazette, !" and the Critic Three dailies and one Sunday newspaper are now in flames un- controllable, and will be consumed to ash es. The type-setters heard some boys shouting fire on the street in the twilight, and looking out the windows discovered that their recently built and splendidly equipped offices were burning.
 All these journals occupied row of buildings built by Stilson Hutchins at the corner of 10th and D streets. The loss is estimated at $15O,O0O, fully insured and they will, newspaper like, arise from their ashes. I ana very much tempted to use the Phoenix similie, but I will spare the sensitive reader.
 On his summer vacation trip the presi- dent will not be accompanied either by his secretary or any member of his cabinet. Dr. Ward, of Albany, who was with him last year in the Adirondack's, has again been invited, and it is probable that not more than one, or possibly two personal friends of the president will compose the party They will stop at a small hotel in the woods, which will be their headquar- ters, and telegraph operator will be pres ent at all times, in case his services are required. The president can thus be con- municated with on important questions if necessary. Business cares will be laid aside temporarily, and he will devote him. self to recuperating and preparing for a winter of hard work at Washington. The length of his stay will be determined by the condition of public affairs, but he has been advised to remain away from Wash ington during September if possible, as this is the most trying month of the year to strangers in thls climate.
 Miss Cleveland left Washington for New York city this morning; and Is not expect ed to return until the heated term is over She will spend the summer in the neigh borhood of New York.
 Ten designs for new naval vessels have been received at the navy department at the close of business hours. there yesterday Numerous plans for parts of vessels and machinery had also been received. The Union Iron Works of San Fransisco, Cal ifornia, is the only private ship yard that offered proposals. Ten designs submitted were for one large cruiser. Admiral Por- ter offered plan for one vessel. Naval Constructor w. l.. Mintonge submitted plans for four vessels-one of 5000 ton ship, one $500 ton ship, one a 600 ton ship, and one 800 ton ship. The bureau of construction and repair offered designs for five vessels-one of 5000 tons, another of 31OO tons, third of 17OO tons, fourth of 1900 tons, and fifth of 800 tons. Plans for the engines of these vessels have been prepared by the bureau of steam engineer ing. Naval Constructor Philip Hickborn has submitted plan for cruiser of 45OO tons displacement. The design is for a powerfully armed vessel, carrying thirteen six inch and four eight inch breech load ing rifles, the latter having direct fore and aft fire. The, average speed at sea in all weathers is stated at fourteen knots in smooth water fifteen knots. The plans provide for ship 315 feet long on the water line, 45 feet extreme breadth. The total cost of the vessel exclusive of arma- ment, IS estimated at about $l ,O0O,0
 The attorney general has given decis- ion on the three points relative to the ac. ceptance of the Dolphin. He decides briefly, that the ship shall not be accepted by Secretary Whitney, that there is nc existing contract between the government and MT. Roach, and that the large sums ol money already paid MT. Roach may be recovered.
 The secretary of the navy proposes te make an entire reorganization of the eight government navy yards on the Atlantic and one on the Pacific coast. An investi gation for this purpose has been going on for the last two months.
 The secretary of the treasury has under taken the reorganization of the customs service. Shecial agents are making inqui ries with view to reduce the force and expenses of the custom offices at the diff ferent ports. Reports have been received from number of these agents, and it is roughly estimated that 8 reduction of 20 per cent of the total force collecting GUS. toms will be made.