The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1896-01-30

ey wherewith to build war vessel.
equipped with all the appliances tc
meet the great advance in the art OF
modern warfare.
Accordingly, at the second session OF
the 49th congress on Jan. %, 1887, Law
Ter introduced his resolution accom-
panied by an elaborate letter address
ed to Lawler, in which Admiral Porter
set out in alarming terms and vigorous
language the immediate necessity for
action on the part of congress to re-
habilitate the navy. pointing out the
dangers which attended the existing
condition of affairs, and making the
astounding assertion that the Ameri-
can navy consisted of but one shin.
equipped with high-power guns. the
Dolphin. and she was only a dispatch
boat. Mr.. Lawler experienced consid-
cradle difficulty In securing the print
ing of Admiral Porter's letter in the
congressional record. and his resoIu-
ton was referred to the naval commit
tee without attracting any particular
attention.
But when this letter was read next
day i'm the record IL caused a fiutter of
excitement, and the matter was
brought to a climax when Senator Tel
Ter. in debate upon an item of appro-
priation concerning the transportation
OF bullion, directed attention to the
fact that Admiral Porter had address,
ed letter to a distinguished member
OF the house. published i'm the congress
sional record. i'm which the sensational
statement was made by the highest Of
ficer in rank in the navy that the
American navy was in an alarming
condition. comprising only one vessel
OF war armed with high-power guns,
and she was only dispatch boat SEN
AgAa
vigorous language. deploring the exist
ing conditions. and urging that some
of the surplus money in the treasury
ought to be at once appropriated
wherewith to construct ships equipped
to equal the ships OF other nations.
and save us the humiliation and dis
grace that would follow in the event
of war
MONEY VOTED FOR NEW SHIPS
Senator Teller's speech received sub
stantial echo both in the senate and
house, and $il,O00,000 were appropriat-
ed at that congress for the construc-
tion of new ships. forming the famous
white squadron" that made the tour
of the world and excited the envy OF
all the European powers. This had
been the dream of Admiral Porter's
later life, and he lived to see IL real
lied through the humble but no less
euectiNe EFFORTS OF Frank LAWYER once
the poor apprentice who set a Jack
stan in Admiral Porter's flagship az
Mound City. Lawler modestly claimed
but little credit for his achievement
and was entirely content to satisfy
himself with the reflection that the IA
bic OF the rat gnawing the lion out OF
the meshes was emphasized in his
case.
This nucleus OF the American navy
was the starting point. since supple
mented by the construction OF an ar
ray Of magnificent war vessels without
superior in the navies of the world.
and the American nation owes a debt
OF gratitude TO Frank LAWYER for his
successful efforts to set the ball rolling.
Porter. bowed with the weight
Of years and fun OF honors. passed
away. and his remains are entonbed
at Arlington. where. but shortly after
ward. Phil Sheridan was laid 10 rest
In close proximity.
In the course Of a debate on the Ia
Dor troubles. Frank LAWYER indlscreet-
~ remarked that such men as Jaw
Gould ought to be hung. and came
within an ace OF paying grievous pen
atty therefor. Mr.. Gould naturally re-