The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1892-12-12
ABLE TO STAND ALONE.
The Position in Which the Navy
Started by Cleveland Finds
Itself
Report of Secretary Tracy on the
Progress That Has Been
Made.
Moro Bate Ships and Torpedo Vessels
Are Suggested AS Needed Additions
In the Future.

WASHINGTON. Dec. 1.-THE secretary of
the navy in his annual report says that
there have been added in the past four
years nineteen new vessels of an aggregate
tonnage OF 81, S32 tons, mounting two
twelve-inch, six ten Inch, sixteen eight
inch and eighty-two six-inoh guns. Three
new steel tugs have also been constructed
and put in service. There are in process OF
construction eighteen new vessels, certain
to be completed, should the armor be de-
livered, within the next year, of an aggre-
gate tonnage of 93.497 tons. and mounting
altogether twelve thirtsen-inch, six twelve
inch. sixteen t%en-inch. thirty ei%Qht-inch,
tbirty-two six-inch, thirty-eight fve-inch
and thitty-four four-inch guns. With the
production of armor torpedoes, heavy
rapid-frinR guns. armor- piercing shells,
%smokeless powder and high explosives note
worthy progress has been made. The United
States. he SAYS, has emerged from its con-
dition of helplessness at sea and has dis
tanced its most experienced competit-
ors. In connection with the developments
of nickel-steel for armor the departments
has undertaken a series of experiments in
the application of this material to other
purposes. If the expectations now formed
are realized it will not be long before
nickel steel will be extensively used, 10Th
in ship frames and marine engines, with
marked improvement. both in strength Of
parts and reduction of weight; while its
non-corrodible qualities, already partly
demonstrated point to the probability that
it may ultimately present the solution for
the harrassinR problem of preserving the
submerged plating of ships. 1t has been
Demonstrate that the United States in the
constitution of its new navy, which ten
years ago had no existence even on paper,
is enabled to place upon each and all of its
armored vessels material the like of which
the world has not up to this time seen, and
while vast sums have been spent plating
the sides of foreign men-of-war with in
ferior material, this country will employ
for the purpose an armor which is
not only far more efficient. but
reference to the dimensions of the
plates thus far tested, the highest develop
ment of modern science. Following the ex-
ample of this country, the English COVE n
ment four weeks ago had u trial of the new
American armor and it is clear from the
highly successful results that the United
States, instead of being the last in the ace
of constructing of vessels of war, has set
the example in this respect which other
maritime nations will speedily follow.
The secretary recommends the construc-
ton of eight additional battle ships, in ad-
ditlon to those now authorized, and says
that this number is essential to the protec-
ton of the United States. 1T is upon such
vessels that this country, as we'll as others
having O seaboarb relies" he says. land
must continue to rely for purposes of de.
tense, as long as naval warfare remains
! NH IL 10 fn-1Ov Without than ~ ora
helpless at sea-" He depreoates the con-
strnction of any more vessels of the mon
itor type celebrating the arguments against
their usefulness. With reference to unpro-
tected cruisers of the second class, from
four to five thousand tons dis
placement, the department does not recon-
mend any present increase il the
number of these vessels. 10 attain the
speed required they must necessarily sacri-
fee coal endurance;" the secretary says.
land have therefore e very restricted sphere
of usefulness for cruising purposes in times
of war. They answer satisfactorily the
limited demand for fagships upon regular
stations in times of pence, but 1T is not
upon these vessels the United states would
place reliance i'll case OF attack by Il mari
time power. Nor ls it desirable to add to
the number of heavily armed gunboats of
the Yorktown type. One we'll defined fact
which has proved highly successful is that
of II torpedo cruiser, from 500 to 900 tons,
of Mmall size. of light draught, Il speed of
twenty-five knots. sufficient coal capacity,
rapid fire guns and powerful torpedo arma-
meut. ! his is the type of vessel the de.
pnrtment would suggest building, and sew
eral such vessels would be q valuable addi-
ton to the naval force" He thinks there
should be at least thirty torpedo boats con-
structed in the immediate future.
"The aggressive policy of foreign ma
tions continues" the secretary says. "and
this country. whether 1t will or not, will
soon be forced into IA position where 1t can
not disregard measures which form Il stand
ing menace to its prosperity and security.
On the isthmus our commerce Is engaged
in a desperate fight TO maintain it's foot
hold. In the south Pacific repeated annex
atoms and protectorates are extending the
rover and influence of the maritime states
of the old world. Subsidized lines of fast
steamers are completing the CIRCLE of natl
time communication on the eastern coasts
of the dominion of Canada, and 70 %tresses,
daily increasing in strength, are surround
ing our coast upon the south and cast.
Under these circumstances, 1T Is imperative
to the welfare of the this country that the
policy of naval reconstruction SO successfully
carried on in the past will suffer no inter
ruption in the future; that vast numbers of
skilled artisans who have been trained in
its workshops and those of private manu-
facturets concerned III It's operations should
not be thrown out of employment; that the
work, whose chief dltlcuities nave been
overcome, should not be. suffered to Ian
guish when every day shows improvement
both in economy and despatch; and that
With only two vessels remaining in the
stocks, as will shortly be the case. some
further additions should be made by con
gress Mt it's present. session."
In conclusion the secretary says in part:
"lhe statement has been made from time
to time that the present administration had
proceeded substantially upon the lines of
it's predecessors. This is in Il large degree
cor ect. Its cardinal policy has been to
persevere continually in the direction of u
naval establishment. make no changes
merely for the sale of change. and none
unless they would be justified by clear and
conclusive reasons. At the same time every
effort possible was made to advance. The
! labors that devolved upon the present ad-
ministl alton of the navy department. both
in the management of the fleet and the
work of construction. has not only been far
in excess of those of any previous admins
tration since the war, but have required to
IL much greater degree the solution of diff
cult and intricate problems in the detailed
supervision of tho most expensive and varied
branches OF manufacture. The ships alone, in
-,ll,- x-l..l, tlta l.ain a. . m - i.aa