The sun., 1895-01-04

The Chssess sf Hrors L,ser.i Provi.,ou
for Coast Defsuee.

Toy Coeet Deteuee.
WASHINGTON, Jan. AT is suggested that
the testimony taken by the Senate COMMITTEES
to which the Fortihcatlons bill has been re.
ferred, may result In moderate increases of some
Items Of appropriation made by the House.
Gen. Casey asked for emplacemonts, inc,ud-
ing gun and mortar platforms. 81, 900, 900, and
the House gave him half that amount, or the
rame a. last year. Tho item is an important
one, because there are now many guns and
mortars that need mounting. and Gen. Flaglcr
has already arranged for procuring twenty dis
appearing l0-inch gun carriages. half Of them
being now contracted for. But the plat
forms for these twenty guns will only
cost $4,000. and those for seven other guns
spoken Of will add $4,000. The remainder
OF the million is scattered among nine places,
Charleston alone receiving see5.oOo Of It. 1t
appeared from Gen. Casey's statement that
allotments have already been made, amounting
to 100000 combined. for Philadelphia and
Pensacola, considerable part Of which would
remain rs in available balance for next year. IL
ia not probable, therefore. that this item Of
100000 will be greatly increased. For the
preservation and repair of Notifications $3.50
was granted against S45, 900 last year, while in
some previous years much more has been al
lowed.
For the purchase of sites nothing has been
given this year. whereas $3.50 900 was allowed
last year. There, again. the House Committee
brought out the fact that Gen. Casey had
on hand for this purpose. unexpended.
seo412o.b3. Besides. the Secretary of War had
spoken in his report Of the efforts Of owners to
get extravagant prices for their lands, when
needed by the Government as sites. It is doubt
full whether any new provision will be made
under this head, but perhaps another year, II
the Chief Of Engineers shows that he has ex-
pended the sum now on hand, there will be no
dimcuity In procuring further amounts.
the chief increase, IL any is made, will be looked
Tor. There are now employed In the gun fac
for keeping them all at work. and also for
Keeping In operation the valuable machinery.
This estimete AI & by Gen; Fager was found to be
pristed exactly what Il did last year, But that
middle Of February, Instead OF until the end of
pTiation should cover a full year and should
also make up the period eyaded last year. That
would call for great deal more than $l75, 900.
ance.
No Appropriation, of course. will be made for
could Ss the
n laid out on other matters relating TO armament
OF for
inch guns seems certainly too small, because
Win the system OF carriages now definitely
private works, Gen. Flagler estimated ST.
32l.555 for this purpose, but the Notes of
Hearings" before the House Committee show
very little discussion of this important point
The proposed manufacture of sixty steel
iii ssS sSsn 81 .
year. also, is not favorable to this item. II may
Be emembered that the House then appropriated |
put the sum altogether. A possible reason how |
over, is said to be that the House then omitted |
provisions for meeting some payments on old |
actually to fall due during the year. |
Ihe Senate saw the necessity of providing for |
thSse payments. and not desiring to increase the |
u Is certain that mortars play very important |
part In the system Of coast defence, and a fair |
bill this year. ~