The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1896-03-26
INCREASE OF THE NAVY.
A REYIEW OF THE UORR ON THE
APPROPRIfTfOS BILL.
The Bill Carries an Increase of Over ST.
600 900 Over the Estimates submitted
by the Department.

WASHINGTON, March 25.-The report
Of the House Committee on Naval Al
fairs, which was prepared by Its chair
man, Mr.. Boutelle, of Maine, contains
careful review OF the committees work
in the preparation of the appropriation
bill, which was reported yesterday. The
report shows that under the Increase OF
the Navy" The estimates for the next
fiscal year called for S9.522.ss3 for carrying
on the work Of construction of the hulls
and machinery, armor. and armament,
and equipment OF vessels heretofore au-
thorized. Under this head the committee
have added appropriations amounting 10
S5.2552sO. for work during the next nscal
year, in the construction of four sea-
going battleships and fifteen torpedo boats.
making the total appropriation for "ln-
crease OF the Navy" Si2,ll9.l33. In contin-
uation Of this subject the report states:
Upon full consideration, your commit
tee determined that the best interests Of
the navy viii be served by devoting such
appropriations for new vessels as shall
be made at this session 20 the construc-
ton of vessels Of those two classes, and
cal cOnsenus of opinion among naval
officers and the strong Recommendation OF
the Secretary Of the Navy. Under all the
circumstances. and I'm view Of the remark
able decrease IN the cost of construction
OF ships. the committee have felt dis
posed to recommend a liberal provision for
new vessels. and this bill carries the larg-
est authorization OF tonnage and ex-
pendture that has been made in any year
since the building OF the new navy be-
gan. The four battleships and fifteen tor
pedo boats will aggregate about $500
tons. 10 cost exclusive of armament, not
exceeding $l6.615,Oo0.'
INCREASE OVER ESTIMATES.
The report shows that the present bill
carries an increase Of S2,i6S, ,l3S over the
amount carried by the last annual appro-
pration, and s2,S01,6l5 over the estimates
submitted by the department. This in
crease is due 10 number Of items, some
OF which are herewith given.
Under the general estimate the pay
OF the navy has been increased Si51.5i4
and contingent $4,000, making s47l54i I'm
all, which is principally on account Of
provision of the enlistment OF another
1000 additional men, requested by the
department to furnish crews for ves-
sells already in commission and to be
put In commission during the next fiscal
year. To provide for the additional men
enlisted from time TO time during the
present fiscal year the sum of $ll6,lSl
was appropriated in the act OF March 2,
1893, and the estimates for the next fiscal
year called for S3iS,025 more shan the
estimates Of the year before, 10 provide
<lSo29 variation ia duty pay of officers
and pay of cadets. and S350.0OO for pay
Al 4HIifinnll In
the bill carries $4,000, which, IT is esti-
mated, will suffice TO pay the additional
men provided for In this act for the
time Of their probable enlistment and
service during the year.
BUREAU OF NAVIGATION.
Under the bureau Of navigation there
Is an increase of s. 80 for bounties for
outfits OF apprentices, which was cut
down last year: Of $500 for water works
az naval training station In Rhode Isl-
and. and 5000 for necessary repairs at
naval war college. Under the bureau of
ordnOnce there is an increase OF S3lJ,j0O
the principal new provisions being for
reserve supply Of guns for ships for the
navy, 1850 g reserve supply of pro-
iectiles, 100000: additional supply Of tor
pcdOes, $4,000. reserve guns for aux
iliary cruisers. S2iO.eo. naval magazine
az Fort Aihlin. Pa, 5000: water supply
for naval magazine at Dover. y. j..
$1,000 and extending sea wall al torpedo
station, Newport, $1,000.
Under the bureau Of construction and
repair there is an increase Of Sl.065. 800.
The general item Of construction and re-
pair Of vessels is increased by $4,000.
and q like sum is appropriated 10 cover
a deficiency for the present year.
other items for repairs are those for
the Hartford, 10000 and the Chicago,
$4,000
For new boilers and machinery for the
Atlanta. Dolphin, and Hartford, S235 900
is auDrODriated