New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-03-27
MILLIONS FOR WARSHIPS.
THE NAVAL APPROPRIATION BILL
PASSED BY THE HOUSE.
IT AUTHORIZES THE BUILDING OF FOUR NEW
BATTLE-sHIPs AND FIFTEEN TORPEDO-BoATs
PRESSURE FOR A FURTHER INCREASE
SUCCESSFULLY RESISTED.
fBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE.l

SUCCESSFULLY RESISTED.
rBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE.l
Washington March 26.-The House Of Repre-
sentatves this afternoon showed its ability to
be just before becoming generous. 1t made
reasonable appropria ton for the construction or
new naval vessels. but resisted the pressure OF
those members who wanted TO press Congress
into extravagances IN the matter Of appropria-
tons. Representatives Cummings and Hanley
made the speeches OF the afternoon In behalf
OF increasing the bill. Mr. Hanley offered an
amendment adding two battle-ships and made
a speech upon It, declaring that his people, al
though they live a thousand miles from tide
water were patriotic enough to want to see the
United States have f. frst-class Navy. Mr.
Hulick spoke against extravaganza in appropria-
tons until some legislation should get upon
the statute books which would bring in enough
money 70 meet current expenses. Mr. Cum
mngs. who was willing to the Republican
Congress committed to large appropriat tions just
before the campaign. was, as usual. vociferous in
favor Of Increased aotments for battle-ships
Chairman Boutele held his own side OF the
House well In hand, however. After the argu-
ments for an increase In the number Of battle
ships had been made he spoke briefly. calling
attention to the fact that this bill accomplishes
had done at any single session. The List Con-
gress authorized the construction Of naval yes
sells with u displacement OF $4,000 tons. which
was far in excess OF the work of any OF its prede-
cessors. but this bill authorizes the construction
Of vessels OF $1,000 tons displacement. which ex-
ceeds that of any other bill ever passed. 1t also
appropriates money than have the other
Naval bills for increase or .he Navy. The List
Congress in its Naval bill appropriated s5,OOOO0o
for this purpose while the largest bill before
that date gave only &c. 900; that OF last year
carried $40 900 OOO while this carries for increas
ing the Navy sl2.779,cOn.
on the vote the House sustained Mr.. Boutelle
and the majority OF the committee rejecting MI
Hanlcys amendment for two additional battle
ships by vote OF l34 against the amendnent
to 81 In It's favor. There was some good natured
cross-hring over the names Of the proposed new
vessels, Mr. Mercer Offering an amendment nam
ing one OF the batte-ships after his State, Ne
hraskd, and Mr.. Robinson wanted one named
Pennsylvania AS an Offset tO these Mr.. Mahon
offered an amendment proposing TO name the
four ships Mckinley. Re j. Allison and Morton
which resulted In the defeat OF all the amend
ments Several propositions for an Increase In
the number OF torpedo-boats were also rejected
and the bill passed in practically the form
IL came from the committee.
The bill provides FOR the construction OF four
hattleships and fifteen torpedo-boats. The cost
OF each new battle-ship Is limited - $3.I500OO
and only 100000 is II be expended on each Of
them during the next fiscal year. or only 1000,
900 In all. The contrac, price OF the five first
class orpedO-boats Is nOt 10 exceed $4,000, and
the sum which can be spent on all Of them be-
tween now and July l. 1897 by the Navy Depart
rnent is limited TO s656 00o The cost OF the ten
second class torpedo-b boats is fixed at $4,000
each and for the whole number only $500, 900
be drawn upon In the next fiscal year