Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1895-01-25
The House Committee Report on the
Naval Appropriation Bill.
PROVISION FOR new TORPEDO BOATS
An Increase Recommended Over
the Amount Estimated.
THE RIOUS ITEM S

The report on the naVal APPROPRIATION pre-
scented to the House today by Mr.. Talbot
Of Maryland shows that the bill carries
total of s31. so7. O23. an increase over the
estimates, which were $50, 1852 06. The
sum given to the bureau of navigation is
$159,CC and is a material reduction from
the estimate, s3O7. 25O. The estimates for
the increase of the navy were $l3. 1872,
while the appropriation Is s13.777.521. OF
this increase over estimates $4,000 is for
armor and armament and 200 for con-
struction and steam engineering.
Regarding the enlistment Of 1900 more
seamen, which is provided for, Mr. Talbot
says that while the increase has been de-
MED before, the time has arrived when 1t
can no longer be delayed; but that the
committee has allowed only half OF the
amount asked, as it is not likely that the
whole number authorized Will be enlisted
during the next fiscal year.
The refusal to grant the estimate OF
$125 600 for barracks for naval apprentices
ground that the construction of barracks
is not considered necessary, the committee
having grave doubts as to the policy OF
training naval apprentices in barracks
ashore
Equipment of Vessels.
The allowance fer the bureau Of ord
nance has been increased s1,131OS1 over
the appropriation for the current year. in
GLIDING $15OOOO for a modern battery for
the Hartford, and $5OO.O0O for reserve guns
for auxiliary cruisers.
In support of the provision for reserve
guns and ammunition, the report Of the
Secretary of the Navy is quoted. showing
that in case of war with Great Britain she
could promptly furnish guns for her mer-
chant marine on the great lakes.
The special item of $lSS.0OO for equipment
of vessels in excess Of the appropriation
under the bureau of equipment is caused
by the commissioning o. the Columbia,
Minneapolis. Montgomery. Marblehead, Cas-
tine. Machias. Olympia, Cincinnati and Ra-
leigh, all new vessels. The increase Of $542.-
523 for yards and docks over the allowance
for the current year consists mainly of
$4,000 for extraordinary expenses at the
Brooklyn navy yard and $2SOOOO for the
completion of the Puget sound navy yard,
which the Secretary of the Navy, from per-
sonal inspection. considered necessary.
New Battle Ships.
The most important feature of the report
is the discussion of the necessity for the
| three new battle ships and twelve torpedo
boats provided for. Mr.. Talbot says that
the necessities of our geographical posi-
ton have been carefully taken into con-
sidcra ton. and the committee is forced to
the conclusion that tho continuation of
building battle ships is Of vital Importance.
These vessels are said to be equally well
adapted for defensive and offensive opera
tons and especially suited for the defense
of our coasts. The superlative value of the
battle ships compared with any other
type of vessel Is said to have been we'll
exemplified in the battle of the Yalu river.
where the Chinese fleet would have been
destroyed but for two battle ships.
The Japanese fire was directed mainly
against these, one of them having been
hit about 400 times, yet they were SO slight
~ injured that their efficiency was prac-
tioally unimpaired. and Mr. Talbot says
it is doubtful il they had been properly
manned and handled whether the japanese
would have been victorious.
committee there is no necessity at the
present time for the building of any other
class of vessels than those recommended.
The consensus Of the best military expert
opinions of the present day places the bat
tie ship in the first line of defense against
a foreign foe. Its tactical position is in
the line Of battle of the fleet. and it Is
distinctly the primary fighting element of
a navy.
The cruiser, Of which your committee is
satisfied we have a sufficient number at
the present time Is tactically a scout in
time of war and in time of peace is the
type of vessel ordinarily used to protect
the country's interest abroad and to per-
form general naval duties in foreign wa
tiers.
IAN argument frequently used against
battleships is that their cost OF mainte-
nance is excessively great as compared
with all other types Of vessels; but this
your committee is satisfied is not true. In
time of peace, which will be the condition
during the greater part of the life of q
battleship it can be much more economical
ly maintained than q cruiser of the same
or even of less tonnage"