The Portland daily press., 1897-04-08
FIGHTING BOB DEFEATED.
Capt. Crowninshield To BE Admiral Ram.
says Successor.
(New York SUM-

Washington, April 3--The early history
Of the off1cisl yacht Dolphin and the
downfall Of John Roach, the builder Of
the first cruisers OF the new navy, have
entered prominently into the contest that
has been waged for the last three weeks
over the Navigation Bureau vacancy, and
but tor Fighting Bob Evans's famous
report on the structural weakness OF tho
Dolphin, he would without question be
Admiral Ramsay's successor. In the
past week there hes developed fierce
determination on the part Of Roach 8
friends to defeat the candidacy of Fight
Ing Bob, and they will suooeed. Secre-
tary Chandler, whose naval administra-
tion was reflected upon by the Dolphin
report, has been the n ost active in oppo-
sition to Evans, and Chairman Boutelle
of the House Naval Committee is also
taking a hand.
Fighting bob, with Capt. Beiknap and
several other officers, composed the
famousIboaEd which, on the trial trip Of
the Dolphin, reported that the vessel was
struoturally weak and would not stand q
cruise at sea OF any extent; and later the
Chicago, Boston, and Atlanta. laid down
at about the same time were removed,
partiallykbuilt, TO the New York Navy
ard. where the Government undertook
the work of completing them. That was
twelve years ago, and since then the
Dolphin has crnised around the world
and performed more actual work than
any vessel Of the earlier ships of the
navy. In explanation Of that report IL
has been alleged that at the time naval
officers were unfamiliar with steel ships
aud Ignorant of the extent to which
vibration by powerful machinery could
go on without indicating structural
weakness.
Capt. Evans has been twice a-eandidate
for the Navigation Bereau, and ,but Tor
have sdisplacsd Admiral Ramsay two
years ago. The President was anxious
to make the appointment. and Admiral
Ramsay wanted to take command Of the
Pacific feet, but Secretary Herbert was
so firm in protesting that the President,
with reluctance, yielded. He did the
next beststhinR, however, and appointed
Capt. Evans to the Lighthouse Board.
Lately the friends Of Evans have taken
his case in hand and presented his name,
with powerful backing, to Secretary
Long. ksenator Platt of New York and
Senator Hanna have been active.
SenatorslErye and Hale of Maine, Nc
MILAN of Michigan, Carter of Montana,
and 9th ers have all urged his case.
Senator Chandler has fought 1t bitterly,
however, and SO has the engineer force
of the navy, who believe. that Fighting
Beh, as head Of the Navigation Bureau,
would do much to defeat staff personnel
bill. Fl &,
Today those who have been behind
Capt. Evans gave up hope Of securing bis
appointment when they learned that
Secretary Long had decided to offer the
place to Capt. Growninshield of the
hattleship Maine. now attached to tine
north Atlantic fleet. Capt. Crownin-
shield has been ordered to Washington,
and the office will be rendered in the
next day or two
He is expected to accept, and, If SO, the
nomination will be sent to the Senate
early next week. Three officers have al
ready declined the billet. Admiral Ram
says official connection with the depart
ment ended to-day, and as the office is
not one that can properly remain long
untitled, Secretary Long will promptly
name his man. -