San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1896-02-16

1ONo AAoSo
edy-EleCtriC Railways For Ouba-News
From Corea-Tobacco Factory Burned.
[By Special Wire to the SUNDAY LIGHT
AMERICAS FINE wARsHIPs.
| WASHINGTON. Feb. l5.-It was
learned today what transpired
when Secretary Herbert attended
meeting OF the house committee
on naval affairs. The session last
ed two hours and a half and was
held with closed doors. Secretary
Herbert brought with him form.
liable array of statistics bearing
on the different phases OF warship
building which enabled him to
answer with promptness the quer-
les addressed by the several mem
bers present.
The only subject under discus
sion was relating to the increase OF
the navy.
One proposition laid down by
Secretary Herbert, which was for
titled by facts and figures, was
that war vessels can be construct
ed more chesply in the United
States than in Germany or France.
The opinion was expressed that
within a few years the continued
decrease in the cost Of material,
together with the superior skill of
American mechanics, would enable
us to compete with Great Britain
on even terms.
He was asked why the British
could build ships cheaper than
Americans. He replied that the
cost Of construction in America is
80 per cent less than it was when
the reconstruction OF the navy
began, but the British enjoyed the
advantage of having more plants,
containing larger number OF en-
ployes, and as result Of their long
service, they are under better dis
cipline. Moreover, competition
was greater, which was in itself an
important factor in the expenses
Of ship building.
1t was suggested By Secretary
Herbert that another reason might
be found in the fact that the larger
the ship the less, relatively, would
be the cost OF construction. Upon
this subject Secretary Herbert ex-
pressed himself with much force.
He spoke Of the ships under sub
vention, which in time Of war 1t
was intended to transform into
swift commerce destroyers. He re-
ferred particularly to the Paris,
New York and other vessels Of their
class. Unfortunately, wa have no
reserve guns with which to arm
these splendid nautical creations.
He strongly impressed upon the
com mittee the necessity for app.o-
priations for this purpose; spoke
OF the Importance Of increasing the
force of enlisted men, and advo-
Gated coast defense vessels.
Secretary Herbert spoke In pas
sing that the great offensive and
defensive qualities Of the Indiana
class showed that as fighting ma
chimes they were not surpassed by
the battleships OF any OF the ma
vies of the world. Class for class
our ships were the equals of any
afloat. He added that the navy
department would be glad to have
as many new ships as congress
; would be willing to give.
JOINED THE INSURGENTS.
MADRID, Feb. ia dispatch
from Havana states that the
mayor of Managua and other
residents Of that place have joined
the insurgents.
POLICEMAN MURDERED.
MONTGOMERY, A la, Feb. 15.-Last
night John F. Suggs, policeman.
while trying to arrest Robert Will
liams, colored, who was whipping
his wife, was shot and killed.
NOT YET SETTLED.
LONDON, Feb. 15.-The Times
says it has received telegram
signed "British Residents, johann
neshurg," which states that the
freedom of speech and constitu-
tional discussion is vigorously re-
pressed. The present danger is
great, the Boer forces being AFRO
gantly dictstorial with their own
executive and deadly opposed to
i'm perative reforms. They are still
concentrated round johannesburg.
: A popular ebullition OF feeling is
imminent. unless the British are
released from their present serf-
like position.
RETURN OF DIR. JAMESON.
LONDON, Feb. 15.-Itis stated at
the war Office that the transport
Victoria, conveying DR.. jameson
Nnd his officers to England, is ex-
Aected to arrive at Southampton
bout the end Of February. The
sel is also bringing home from