The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1892-12-07
THE NEW NAVY.
Most Gratifying Progress Has Been
Made.

The report Of the Secretary OF the Navy ex-
hibts great progress IN the construction OF our
new navy. When the present Secretary 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 nineteen during
bis administration OF the department. During
the current year ten war vessels and three navy
tugs have been launched. Two other large ships
aud Iorpedo-boat are under contract, and the
Work upon them well advanced, and the four
monitors are awaiting only the arrival OF their
aTmor. which has been Unexpectedly delayed, or
they would have been before this In commission.
Contracts have been let during this admins
tTatioD under the appropriations for the increase
OF the navy, Including new vessels aad their ap-
purtenanees, to The amount of $4,000 0oO and
there have been expended during the same ne
riod Tor labor at the nayy-yards upon similar
work SS.ooO,o00 without the smallest scandal
or charge Of fraud or Partially.
he enthusiasm and interest OF our naval
0fficers both OF the. STAFF and line, have been
greatly kindled. They have responded maguir-
Gently TO the confidence of Congress. Hand nave
demonstrated 10 The world an unexeelled
capacity 10 construct In ordnance and In every.
thing involved 10 the building, equipping and
sailing OF great warships. Al the beginning OF
Secretary TIacy's administration several difficult
problems remained TO b. grappled With and
solved before this efficiency IN The action Of our
sbips could be secured. II Is believed that. as
The re suit OF the new process in the construction
OF armor-plate, our later ships Will be clothed
with defensive plates of higher resistance than
are found on any war vessel afoat.
We were without torpedoes. Tests have been
made TO ascertain the relative efficiency OF diff
ferent constructions, and a torpedo has been
adopted and The work OF construction Is now
being carried on successfully.
We were without amor piercing Shells We
are now making what Is believed TO be pro-
leetile superior 10 any before In use A smoke
less powder has been adopted and slow
burning powder for guns OF large calIber High
explosives capable OF use la shells fired from
heavy guns have been found and the manuflc-
lure OF guncotton has been developed, and the
question OF supply Is no longer In doub'.
The development OF naval militia which has
been organized In eight States aud brought Inio
cordial and cooperative relations with the navy,
Is another important achievement. There are
now enlisted 10 these organizations 1900 men,
anu they~are likely TO be greatly extended. |
recommend such legislation and appropriations
as VIII encourage and develop This NOV enent.
Ibe fecominenc atoms OF the Secretary WILL 1
DO not DOUBT receive the friendly consideration
OF Congress. Tor he has enjoyed. as he has de-
served. the confidence of all those Interested In
Inc Development OF our navy without any Giyi-
sion upon partisan lines L earnestly express
the hope that a WORK which has made such noble
progress may not now be stayed.
The wholesome Influence for the peace and
increased sense OF security which our citizens
domiciled In other lands feel when those mag
Dincent ships sailing under the American flag
appear Is already most gratefully apparent. The
steamships from our navy, which will appear IN
the harbor OF New York, will be convincing
demonstration 10 the world that the United
States Is great naval power.