The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-12-01


Department to build one light draught,
heavily armored harbor defense floating
battery or ram, for which designs have
been prepared by the Bureau Of Construc-
ton and Steam Engineoringin consultation
with the Chief OF the Bureau of Ordnance.
Tho advertisements for this vessel call for
the submission of bids in the month OF
February next. The characteristics will
be found stated in the table of armored
YES els before mentioned" The business
methods of the Department are discussed
at some length, and 4 history given OF the
efforts being made TO simplify, systematizo
and improve them. Upon this subject
the report says: "During the years OF 1884
and 1885 over 30 per cent. IN value of the
supplies OF the Department were Obtained
by open purchases without competition.
During the last year the proportion OF such
purchases was less than | per cent, and
in the course OF the next fiscal year II is
believed that the open purchases can be
reduced TO about per cent.
"Tho naval brokers have for the most
part disappeared, and regular, responsible
dealers are becoming more and more con-
tractors for these supplies For time il
seemed impossible to dislodge them.
They would undorbid regular dealers,
notably for the supply OF coal. II was
quite evident they had some advantage
which did not appear. Careful investiga-
ton showed the quality OF the coal deliv-
cred 10 be as contracted for The receiver
OF the coal was changed at the Brooklyn
Navy Yard and the weights taken by
another civil employc, and nothing sus-
picious was developed. Finally naval
officer was detailed without previous
notice TO weigh personally barge load
and II was found sixteen tons short. The
gentleman disappeared as bidder for the
Department from that time. There was no
evidence OF fraud on his part, but infer
enccs can readily be drawn.
"Tho system OF property accountsior the
navy, referred to in the last annual report,
has been in successful operation since July
!. The experience Of the first quarter
shows that il is simple and that there is no
difficulty in keeping pace with current
work at the largest stations
The report says that 10y careful watching
Of the disbursements on foreign stations
ana calling the attention OF pay officers TO
the subject Of their drafts, by which
greatly improved rates have been pro.
cured, the Department is able to report
that on the items Of commission, interest
and exchange, whereas net loss OF SlO3,
i93 was made in the two years and ten
months ending April -, 1885, for the three
ycas ending June 50, 1883, net gain OF
sos was made.
A chapter Is devoted TO naval progress
during the year at home and abroad, and
In il is a statement made that the neces-
siiy for increased numbers OF fast pro-
tcctcd cruisers, whether for purposes oi
| protecting or destroying commerce, or for
service with fleet as scouts, has been EN-.
| phasizcd during the naval maneuye OF
the year, and Is fully recognized by all
naval powers.
But with the increase Of the number OF
cruisers it has been recognized in view oi
the recent introduction OF hugh explosive
! prOjcC,ilcs and the increase OF power and
mpidity Of fire Of rapid fire and other guns,
that renewed attention must be given 10
the armorcd fleet, and the prevailing opin-
ion IN England, France, Italy, Germany
| and Russia, Is strongly in favor OF addi-
| uonal armorcd ships to be built ut an early
| date. la these new vessels the armor will
be- much more widely distributed and will
certainly protect the battery aud crew ~
| well ns The water line and machinery. The
ANEil luAAlN'lltH1 W lllNN fAIiN'lNt hll'll NV
against unprotected sides emphasized the
| peculiar advantages Of the monitor type
Tor cost defense service.
The Secretary considers the subjects ol
improved powder proicciics and torpedo
boats, saving IN regard to The latter that
the recent naval nanOuycrs abroad have
shown that they must still be- regarded as
most useful for coast and harbor defense.
The iimatc Tor the Navy and Marine
Corps for the current fiscal year amounts
10 -, ,OO3, ,G2l. that Tor the next fiscal year
amounts 10 go, ,757, ,G77, a difference OF -,
76l,0ja The appropriations for the cur
rent fiscal year amount 10 Slb,Oi2,i ,iSl, be
ing ~, s25, 1876 lcss than the estimates ior
the next fiscal year.
The Secretary closes 10y giving the main
points Of the reports submitted by the Ad
miral Of the Navy, the chiefs Of the va
riOus naval bureaus aud the Board oi Wis
ton 10 the United States Naval Academy,
abstracts OF which have been published
from time 90 time ~ they were placed 10
the hands oi the Secretary.