The Greenville times., 1896-12-09
THE NATIONS NAVY.
Features Of Secretary Herberts
Annual Report.
Fiftsen Li<ht-Draft War Vessels Wanted
for Defense OF Atlantic aud Gutf Coasts
-comrarAtlve Naval slrsngth Of
Principal Powers. Etc. Etc.


planned for an extreme deep-load
draft of not more than 20 feet, and sug-
gests that considerations of strategy
upon our Atlantic and gulf coasts rem
der this an essential to the success OF
naval campaigns
"This reasoning" he says, lis the
final result Of much careful study by
able officers Of conditions as they ex-
list on our southern coast. Battleships
that could enter the harbors OF Savan-
nah, Brunswick, Key West, Tampa.
Pensacola, Mobile and the mouth Of
the Mississippi at all times would have
an immense advantage over the battle
ships of foreign nations, few Of which
could enter these ports. Light draft
battleships, II we had them, could
make any Of these ports bases Of
supply, could sally forth from them or
retire into them at will and could
therefore almost always offer battle on
their own terms.
"There are also many OF our ports
further north, which would give the
same advantages to such ships"
An interesting feature Of the report
is resume OF the progress of
The Upbuiiding OF the Now Navy
From the time OF It's inauguration un-
der Secretary Chandler. Congress has
authorized during the present admin
istraton 20 vessels. with total tom
mage Of 65,s66 tons; of these five are
first-elass battleships and 10 torpedo
boats.
La rye as the above increase APP
pears says the secretary, lit yet
does not suffice to place the United
States navy in satisfactory condi-
tion. II we mean to be able at all times
to defend our long line Of seacoast.
afford unquestiouable protection to
our citizens In foreign lands, render
efficient aid to cur diplomacy and
maintain under all circumstances our
national honor.
The secretary, calling attention to
the
Compare tive Naval strength of the Prin-
cpai Powers,
states that while the results ach ie we'd
by the United States are highly cred
liable to the country, yet II Is clear
that the great powers with which we
are brought into close relationship D
largely exceed us, not only In the
number OF battleships aud torpedo
boats actually In commission, but in
their naval programmes for the fu.
turc
The secretary shows that on June
80, 1893, there were 80 vessels In com.
mission, with tonnage OF 62, $50 tons,
while on December 10 the total tom
mage In commission will be 1877, $50
tons.
Attention is again called to the me-
cessity for some legislation by con-
gress which will unable the depart
ment to make use.
In Case Of an Emergency,
OF the tugs, yachts aud vessels en-
gagged In the fishing fleets and coast
wise and lake trades, aud to call in to
the service Of the navy the sailors and
officers necessary to command, and ht
such ships In case OF threatened or
actual war. lie recommends an addi-
tional appropriation for the purpose
of supplying guns and ammunitio n
with which to arm vessels to be called
into service from our merchant ma
rine.
Reference is also made TO
| A Reserve systcm.
and the secretary sets forth the report
of board appointed to formulate a
general plan for the laying up of ves-
sells In reserve, and In this connection
it Is announced that the department
expects TO be able to submit TO the
congress at an early day during the
coming session suggestions for such
legislation as may be needed TO enable
1t to provide proper accommodations
for ships SO that 1t may establish and
maintain a reserve system with the
value and Importance of which the
department is deeply impressed.
| The Subject of the Naval Militia
is dealt with at some length, and II ID
shown that at the close of the last. adj
ministration the number OF militia
lawfully certified was l,749, divided
among the states Of Rhode Island
Maryland. South Carolina, North Car
olina, Massachusetts, California and
New York, From the last official re
turns they now number OF 1889 II
the states OF California, New York
Massachusetts,, North Carolina, Penn
sylvania, Illinois. Connecticut, Michi
gan, New Jersey, Georgia and Lou
isiana, and the department has beer
informed OF the prospective formation
of an additional battalion In New
York lat Brooklyn) and an organiza
tion in Ohio.
The secretary devotes considerable,
space to reviewing the reports OF thu
chiefs of bureaus which have alread,
been published. and in this connection
asks congress to authorize the build
ing of dock at Norfolk of sufiicien
size to take In the largest vessel of tn
navy. This he recommends should b
constructed of concrete, as It is NOR
durable. more readily repaired an
cheaper than wooden dock.
Such satisfactory experiments hav
been made with
Liquid Fuel
BY Engineer-in-Chief Melville, ths
the department has ordered that tn
now being constructed at the Norfol
yard aud one OF the smaller torped
boats being built by the Herresho
company, be fitted for using this OF
intending thus to thoroughly test !
capabilities. These boats will
adapted for coal If oil fails
For the relief of tho
Oscrworked Engineer Corps.
It is urged that their number be !
creased until the limit shall reach 4
instead ot lst as ~ pgesent'