Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1891-02-11
NATIONS CAPITAL.
Landsm.n's Talk Concerning
Naval Affairs.
The KilliDS Of Blnndil 4 Theme iul
Discussion.


WASHINGroN, Feb. lo.--lr the Senate
the naval appropriation bill Vas taken up,
and vArious amendments agreed to. The
item Of S25 200 for equipment and arms
for the naval militia of var'ous states was
CHALLENGED by Carlisle and explained by
Hale as applying to certain states that had
organic stions for drilling aud training for
the naval service, just like land militia for
land service,
Carlisle said that the matter Was quite
new to him and asked in what states there
was naval militia.
Hale named New York, Massachusetts,,
Rhode leland, Connec ticut, aud, he thought.
New Jersey.
Carlisle thought that Congress ought not
10 enter on such = new policy without in-
formation and very careful, consideration.
Hawley explained how, in eases of
emergency, this naval militia might be All
extraordinary assistance to the federal gov
ernment, and described what Connecticut
hAd done in that direction, She could
turn out, in six hours, 1880 men (four
resiments and battery admirably drilled,
armed and equipped. and put them on cars
for service AT New York or elsewhere.
The State owned fine body OF land on
the coast not far from New London where
these men wen. into camp every year, and
where they were drilled in the use of NOR
tars and heavy guns. An appropriation of
S25 900. mere trifls, would enable the
secretary of the navy to do something
towards furnishing q sea coast battery With
which portion OF these. men could be
trained into an excellent artillery com
pApy. He regarded the proposition as one
of the most thoughtful measures auxiliary
to the defence undertaken for some time.
Regsn was inclined to regard the PROPOSE
ton ~ one to furnish national vessels to
gentlemen Of leisure in which to make
summer excursions. 1t was. he thought,
an unwise provision; one that would lead
to great extravaganza and unnecessary ex.
pense.
Carlisle moved t. strike out of the para
It would read For arms for the naval
militia" etc.
Hale concurred in the propriety Of the
amendment If it was agreed to.
After further discussion the vote WAS
taken and the clause agreed TO. An amend
ment 10 insert q paragraph appropriasing
$3.50, 900 to continue the construction Of
the timber dry dock at the coaling station
in Port Royal, s. c., was agreed to without
question.
The next amendment providing for a
dry dock on the Columbia river, or on
Puget sound. Allen mcved that sub
siitute be fixing a site at Port Orchard,
Puget Sound. Dolph favored the amend
ment a. reported from the committee on
appropriations, leaving the secretary Of the
navy TO exercise judgement as to whether
the dry dock should be on Puget sound or
the Columbia river. The discussion turned
somewhat upon the report Of commission
appointed to select site for the dry dock
on the Pacific Coast. Hale criticising
commission severely. Hiscock ibquirinR
as to the difFerenc ,::between dry dock and
Navy yard.
Hale suggested that the New York sena,
tor had never seen the dry dock, aud no
action WAS reached on the amendment. The
conference committees ordered on the pen
sion appropriation bill and army appropris
ton bill, was Allison, Dawes and Gormsn
conferees of first bill, Allison Plumb and
Washburn on second.
A message from the President with cor
respondendence RELAXING to the conduct OF
Commander Reiier, in connection with the
arrest and killiog Of Gen, Barruodia. was
presented and referred TO committee on
naval affairs.
The Presidents veto OF the message on
bill for public building at Dallas, Texas
with tn, action Of the House passing bill
over veto, was presented and referred TO
committee on public buildings andkgrouods
The resolution of the House on the 10Th
in relation to the death of Walker, the late
representative from Missouri, was pre-