The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1896-05-02

disappointment In Naval Circles Over the
Sennte's Action.

WASHINGTON. May L. To-day's action OF the
Senate In reducing the number of new battle
ships from four to two created the utmost sur
prise and disappointment to officials OF the
Navy Department, who had expected the num-
Der TO he Increased rather than diminished. SO
certain was the department that authority
would be given for at least four battle ships,
that II had prepared to outline specifications
asking for bids for this number. and the
Board which has the question OF turrets under
advisement was requested TO hasten its report,
in order that the contracts might be awarded
Immediately after the bids were opened.
II 10 asserted that the Administrations forces
will use all their influence to have the con-
ferces accept the provision made originally for
four ships. The question that will now come up
Is whether II will be advisable to construct these
vessels on the same general designation Of the
Kearsarge tyne or modify i in some important
essentials. Had there been four ships authorized,
the department proposed reproducing the kear-
sarge and Kentucky in every respect, but there
IL now said to be some intention OF building the
new vessels after the plans OF the Indiana and
Massachusetts,.
Both the Cramps and tho Newport News conn
pRuies are known to be prepared TO bid low for
the vessels. and with but two to dispose OF IL Is
considered as a forogone conclusion that, the
Cramps will either get both or there will he a
division between the two leading Eastern firms.
Chairman Boutelle OF the House Naval Com
~ have no Complaint to make regarding
Senator German. Ny complaint is against the
senate: II WAS the Senate that occasioned tho
out burst OF the war spirit. both over the Vencz-
uelan and Cuban questions, aud u was tn" sem
ate that called attention forcibly to the fact
that we would be in a very poor condition TO de-
fend ourselves in the event OF 4 war with n for.
eign foe. have been criticised ia and out of
the Senate because | refused To become
a lingo. and Insisted that the war
scare was absurd and that there would
he no war. unless we made i ourselves
hy some III. advised and foolish action. Never.
thcless | conld not blind myself to tho truth Of
the statement that We would probably find our
selves practically defenCel"ss with our present
force IN any first class power. wished To make
war on US. Therefore. while was of the 0pin.
ion that the appropriations for mo navy should
b. kept down 10 the lowest possible figure, be-
lievcd il necessary that at least four battle
ships should be provided for Mt this session OF
Congress. therefore reported the bill IT, the
IlOnan providing for that number of vessels.
am especially urprised that senator Sher-
man, Hs Chairman 0t III" Foreign, RelatiOns
Committee, who Is largely responsible for the
war scare, should have voted for senator Cor
mans amend ment. The House, in my opinion,
will not accept the amendment. and viii iight
it In the conference committee rs strenuuus!y
as possible. | do not think tho House will he
wiling To accept n reduced number of vessels,
AMI, 50 far rs Rn personally concerned, | am
determined that the provision Tor TOUR ships, as
II passed the House, shall become II law