The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1894-04-19
OUR NEW NAVY.
Report of House Committee on
Naval Affairs,
Tells of It's Present and Future
Strength.
MUST BE NO HALT
In Building Up Our Battleships
Says Mr.. Cummings.

WASHINGTON, April 19.--The present
and prospective naval strength of the
United States in comparison with that
of foreign powers is set forth in the
report of the house committee on
naval affairs, presented yesterday by
Chairman Cummings The report
states the committee has reluctantly
concluded not to recommend the con-
struction of new battleship, because
of the depleted condition of the treas
ury. 1t is urged, however, there must
be no halt in building up the navy.
England proposes" says the report
ito begin seven battle ships of the
drst class; six cruisers of the second
class and two sloops. Italy, with a
depleted treasury, is preparing to
build three first class battle ships,
three cruisers, twelve torpedo boats
and four transports Germany, France
and Russia are going to even greater
lengths to secure an increase of their
navies- In view of these facts, it GER
tainly would not be safe for the
United States to build no more battle
the work should go on until the
American navy is strong enought to
stand all exlgencies-
The slight increase proposed by the
committee will not burden the country
with taxation during the coming year
work can be continued in the future
without ever burdening the nation.
The total loss of the Kearsarge leaves
the Hartford. Admiral Farragut's
flagship, the only vessel in the new
navy, aside from the frigate Constitu-
tion, around which historic memories
cluster. The committee. in accordance
with the wishes of the navy depart
ment, have recommended liberal APP
priations for her preservation and inn
provement, believing public sentiment
demands it.
The committee have put into the
bill a clause providing for the natural
izatioD of alien sailors and marines on
vessels who have served five conseeu-
tive years and have been granted
honorable discharges
In accordance with the suggestion
of the secretary of the navy the COM
mittee recommends he be authorized
to use for the construction of one
additional cruiser of the Vesuvius
type the $3.50, 600 appropriated by the
act of March ,, 1890, for the construc-
ton of three torpedo boats to cost
altogether not more than $3.50, 600. By
the act of March 3, 1898. 5000, 600 was
appropriated for building a sub-ma-
mends that the secretary be author
lied to use this 5000, 600 for the con-
struction of a torpedo boat. The com
xnittee further recommends that au-
thority be given the secre tary to
transform the United States steamer
Vesuvius into a torpedo cruiser, if in
his opinion, such transformation will
add to the efficiency Of the ship for
naval purposes"
This will give total of four new
torpedo boats, and if the Vesuvius is |
changed, fve- The report summar-
ICES the items of appropriations for |
the new navy. The total is $685. So,
e66; VIII ich is an advance on last year, I
but a considera bic decrease from the /
estimate of this year. The main item /
for decrease is 81, O0O, 900 for armor
plate. which is 81, 500, 900 less than the i
estimate