The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1895-06-27
the MUAigOn> MUsr GO
Secretary Herbert 1ell. Why tho Decision

huOs ne tiitren.
As has been foreshadowed In The Times.
the Secretary OF the Navy has declined
to alter tho decision of his department
In regard to the removal OF the monitors
from the James river to League Island,
near Philadelphia. The Committee on
James River Improvement nave Dcen uo-
Ing AL IN their power 10 Keep the squad
ron here. Chairman LanderKin prompt
~ transmitted copies OF the resolutions
passed by the Chamber 81 commerce
anu Committee on james River improve
ment TO Secretary OF the Navy herDcrt,
senators Daniel ana Martin, ara Con-
gresham Elicit.
Yesterday ne received a reply from Sec
Rotary Herbert. which sets forth the ,ery
reasons which were mentioned exclusive
~ In The Times several days ago. Jhe
letter reads as follows:
Navy Department,
Washington, June -. 1898.
Sir: / have TO acknowledge the receipt
on your letter OF the l2th instant trahs-
hitting copies OF the resolutions adopted
by the Richmond Chamber OF commerce
and the Committee on James River I'M
prO"ement, requesting that the monitors
now at anChO near Richmond DC Kept
al that place until required Tor active
service.
In reply / have to state that the de-
partment very carefully considered this
matter before deciding TO remove the
monitors from their present anchorage
10 one near Philadelphia, and that the
change IS TO be maze in the interest uf
economy and for TINS reason only. At
their present anchorage the monitors re-
qpirc officers ana crew and the articles
OF OUTFIT and equipment which are IN
Cidcnt TO the presence OF people on BOARD.
At Philadelphia, where they viii also De
in fresh water. the vessels VIII be equal
ly well cared for by the crew Of the
receiving ship, ana the department VIII
be able 20 employ the officers and men
VINO are now caring for them upon more
active service. and the Government VIII
save several thousands of dollars an
nually.
Under these circumstances. I regret that
IL is not practicable to comply with your
request without prejudice TO the best
interests of the service.
Very respectfully
H. \. HERBERT. Secretary.
Last evening the following telegram in
regard 10 the matter was received at
The Times office from Washington. II. g.:
The singlo-turrcttcd mentors will be re-
moved from James river. below Rich
mond. 10 League leland naNN-Nard. as
speedily as possible Secretary hofheit
announced this as hie final decision IN
tho matter to-day sficr fully considering
the objections raised lN citizens OF VII
ginia protesting aeainst thoii femoNal..
inc Secretary SAYS very NoffN'N ihal
he cannot reconsider nie determination /,
that the Government has been ih' n"
considerable expense in Maintaining int
fleet uscicssiN at Richmond. where they
cannot be kept iu repair ana iheec 'oh-
aifions would Dc reversed AZ ioahu'
Island. where trc vessels could go
economically hcd 500 rcadinese son an
emergency. ana in tnc MoAn'No' NUM-
for training purposes i''th sou 'chNial
service and ior thc naval rcrfiNot t1e
date upcn which thcN WiIl fe ''n'N eN
will follow thc rVccniWft aat.NNt 'i 'M'
hoari. ~ hich has tccn 'i'ifi'. N ln'l,,,
them ana 0nt ca, tsw eocn iht' n7N 20
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