Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-12-07
GROWTH OF THE NAVY.

A Great Deal Has Been Accomplished by
the Present Administration-Large Sums
Expended without Scandal or Any
Charge of Fraud or Partiality.
The report of the Secretary of the Navy
exhibits great progress in the construction
Of our new navy. When the present Sscre-
tary entered upon his duties only three
modern steel vessels were in commission.
The vessels since put in commission and to
be put in commission during the winter
will make a total of 10 during his admins
tration of the department. During the cur
rent year 10 war vessels and three navy
tugs have been launched and during the
four years 25 vessels will have been launched.
Two other large ships and torpedo boat
are under contract and the work upon them
we'll advanced, and the four monitors are
awaiting only the arrival of their armor,
which has been unexpectedly delayed, or
they would have been before this in CON-
mission.
Contracts have been let during this ad-
minstration, under the appropriations for
the increase of the navy, including new
vessels and their appurtenanees, to the
amount of S35, 900, 900, and there has been
expended during the same period for labor
at navy yards upon similar work SO, 600, 900,
without the smallest scandal or charge of
fraud or partialitv. The enthusiasm and
interest Of our naval officers, both of staff
and line, have been greatly kindled. They
have responded magniicently to the conf
dence of Congress and have demonstrated to
the world an unexcelled capacity In con-
struction, in ordnance, and in everything
involved in the building, equipping and
sailing of great war ships.
Several Difficult Problems.
At the beginning of Secretary Tracy's
administration several difficult problems
remained to be grappled with and solved
before the efficiency in action of our ships
could be secured. 1t is believed that as the
result of new processes i'll the construction
of armor plate our later ships will be clothed
with defensive plates of higher resisting
power than are found on any war vessel
afoat. We were without torpedoes. Tests
have been made to ascertain the relative
efficiency of the different constructions, a
torpedo has been adopted and the work of
construction is now being carried on sue
cessfully. We were without armor-pierc-
ing shells, and without a shop instructed
and equipped for the construction of them.
We are now making what is believed to
be projectile superior to any before in
use. A smokeless powder has been de-
vc1Opcu duO . olOW DuIulHS PuWuCA AOA
guns Of large caliber. A high explosive
capable of use in shells fired from service
guns has been found, and the manufacture
of gun cotton has been developed so that
the question of supply is no longer in
doubt.
Development of a Naval Militia.
The development of naval militia which |
has been organized in eight States and !
brought into cordial and cooperative rela|
tions with the navy is another important |
achievement. There are now enlisted in these |
!, 800 men and they are likely |
to be greatly extended. I recommend such |
legislation aud appropriations as will en-
courage and develop this movement.
The recommendations of the Secretary |
will, do not doubt, receive the friendly
of Congress, for he has en-
joyed, as he has deserved, the confidence of
all those interested in the development of
our navy, without any division upon parti-
san lines. earnestly express the hope
that a work which has made such
noble progress may not be stayed. The
wholesome influence for peace and the in
creased sense of security which our citizens
1omiciled in other lands feel when these
ships under the American flag
appear are already most gratefully apparent.
The ships from our navy which will appear
in the great naval parade next April in the
iarbor of New York will be o convincing
to the world that the United
States is again naval power.