The evening times. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1895-1902, 1896-01-18
NAVAL ACADEMY PLANS.
II win Cost Six Million Dollars to
Reconstruct the Buildings.
THE PROSPECTS FAVORABLE
Consideration of the Matter by the
Committees of Congress-, Who Are
willing to Recommend ActiOn-An
Appropriation to BE Asked for Ex-
tending the Grounds.

- II
The visit recently of the Congressional
delegation representing the naval commit
| tees of the two houses to the Naval Acad-
| envy was one of the utmost Importance 10
| the institution and to the State OF Mary
! land.
The members of the naval committees are
unanimously or the opinion that the cadcmy
shoIld be reconstructed, with better and
more extensive plans, and will recommend
| when the time arrives the expenditure of
| about ST, OOO, 900 in order to carry out such
| plans.
1t has been determined to ask for an APP
| preparation at this session OF 81 81 900 TO
| extend The grounds and to provide Il proper
| sewerage system, and an additional APP
| preparation 10 defray the expenses OF the
| commission engaged in preparing plans for
| new buildings.
The last Congress authorized the Secre-
tary of the Navy toappont a commission OF
| naval officers to examine into the condition
OF the academy and report plan Of i'm
provements.
The commission, OF which Commodore
Matthews is chairman, worked all last
summer, and have submitted an exhaustive
report upon the subject to the Secretary of
the Navy, which has not yet been made pub
lie.
ENTIRE RECONSTRUCTION.
The report, however, contains partially
completed plans for the entire rcconstruc-
ton OF the academy upon an extensive scale
and in a manner which would provide for
the future development OF the institution,
as well as its present needs.
These plans were submitted to the Con-
gressional visitors and were approved.
1t is proposed to locate the new building
so that all future additions that may be
needed can conform to the general plan
agreed upon. The buildings will be of
character far different from those now in
use in both the matter OF a rchitectural beauty
and equipment.
Much of The blame for the present condi-
ton of the academy is attributed by MEM
beers az the committees 10 the men who have
represented Maryland in Congress and who
have failed to display the proper interest
In the institution.
Senator Dubois, speaking of the matter.
said:
THE Maryla nd members might have done
a good deal in past years for the benefit
OF the institution had they so desired,
but they have neglected ii, and Congress
has followed their example. The tru tn
is that Congress has known very little
about the academy. The two houses re-
ceive each year the reports OF the board OF
visitors and occasionally attention is called
Ia IL by a member of the Naval Committee.
but they have not had their interest arous-
ed.
Ibelieve, however. that the timehas come
when the institution can be neglected no
longer, and both houses can readily be
brought To understand the Importance OF
the plans which the Naval Committees and
the Navy Department have formed. l
should like to see the institution made one
of which the entire country would feel
proud and in which the State OF Maryland
would take especial pride. believe ii will
be done, too, and shall use my efforts to
bring IL about. The Naval Committee OF
the Senate is heartily in favor Of a liberal
appropriation for the purpose, and do not
think that the proposition VIII meet with
serious opposition in either House."
DISGRACE TO THE NATION.
Senator Faulkner, who takes a hearty
interest in the aca deny, and who was large
ly iust rumental in having the commission
appointed TO prepare plans for the enlarge
ment of the grounds and the reconst ruction
of the buildings, said:
Every one who sees the academy agrees
that the present condition OF the institution
Is disgrace to the nation, and Congress
has about made up its mind that it should
continue no longer in its present shape.
There is not a State institution in the coun-
try that is not more pretentiOus In appear
ance and better equipped for the educational
work undertaken. We want to put the
academy upon proper footing, and one
which will take into con sderation its
future needs. The plans which have been
prepared are but general, and leave much to
be done in the way OF completing details,
but they are made upon proper lines, and
will furnish basis for a commencement
OF the work"
Senators Bacon and Hale expressed them
bers of the House committee are equally de-
termiDed that nothing should he left undone
to promote the development of the academy.
The conclusion reached by the members OF
the committees that only a limited appropri
alton should be asked for at this session is
justified both by the incompleteness of the
plans of the Naval Academy commission,
and the policy and temper of the present
House.
Mr.. Reed has instructed the chairman of
the appropriations and other committees
that, while liberal provision should be made
for all necessary expenditures of the gov
ernment. the most rigid scrutiny should be
given all bills and all appropriations not
absolutely needed now should be elimi-
mated. 1t is therefore probable that a
large appropriation for the Naval Academy
at the present session would be opposed,
and it is therefore deemed best to merely
make beginning this year, which will
lead to greater things in the next