New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-08-02
NAVAL RESERVE SCHEMES.
STEAMSHIPS BUILT TO BE USED AS WAR
VESSELS.
HOW GREAT BRITAIN HAS PROVIDED FOR AUX
Hilary NAVY cRUIsERs-PAY1YG suBs1.
DIES TO THE CUNARD AND WHITE
STAR STEAMSHIPS


II was recently remarked by Secretary Tracy that
the creation Of naval reserve and this includes ships
auxiliary force 10 the regular service demands
the earnest consideration Of Congress There was need
of making arrangements with the steamship owners TO
have their vessels constructed that they might be
adapted 10 employment by the Government as armed
cruisers and transports in time Of Tic advan-
tageS of such arrangement with and build
ers, which enlarges the merchant marine and makes
1t at the time self protecting, would be over
wheningly great. But the difficulty, he declared,
was that American capital Will not be invested in
sells unless 1t be Of specific compensation for
the concessions which it makes 10 the Government:
First in the adoption Of its vessels TO the atter's
need and, secondly. in the surrender Of privilege
use them when the exigency arises letter recently
sent 10 The Tribune questioned statement II made
that the fast transatlantic steamships, nationalzed In
foreign countries. but supported and maintained by
American trade and American passengersand many Of
them owned by American citizens-received subven-
tons or annual payments for presumption In their
purchase when emergency should arise requiring
fast armed cruisers. Yet it is fact nevertheless.
1t may be remembered that during the threatened
with Russia in 1855 a approximating $1,000
900 was expended by the British Admiralty In retain
ing the services Of several Of the fastest and most
powerful merchant steamers as cruisers and prevent
their being available for the service Of any Power
nmical 10 the interests of Great Britain This costly
experience leo inc Admiralty 10 DeueVe IlaJ
economy and real efficiency would be best promoted
by securing in times Of peace the fastest and most
serviceabe mercantile vessels for service In Of
war With these objects in view the Admiralty
tered into negotiations with the Cunard and White
Star Steamship companies through which the owners
of the vessels agreed 10 hold certain Of their ships at the
disposition Of the British Government for purchase
hire at the option Of the Admiralty at any time during
the continuance Of the agreement. This was In 1857
The agreement with the Cunard Line was in the nat
ure Of postal contract for the term Of five years ter
minable then thereafter by twelve months Previous
notice subventon OF fifteen shillinSs (S3 G2) ton
peg annum Is paid by the Government TO the company
on account of the Etrura, Umbria and Aurana, being
paid on April and october l. This means an annual
payment as follows The Etruria and Umbrfa, each,
S27 7s4 So and Aurana S26l65 40 for the three,
ss1 73s In consideration Of this subventon the COM
pany engage hold at the disposition Of the Admiralty
in Liverpool all or any Of the following named vessels
on the terms mentioned in the agreement the COM
pletion OF the voyage which the vessel may be en-
gagged at the time Of the receipt Of the notice OF the Ad
miraltys intention to hire or purchase: