The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-10-25
STRENGTH OF THE NAVY
THE UNITED STATES NOW HAS 141
WAR VESSELS ALL TOLD.
Wholesale Reduction in Work at the
Navy Yards Threatened by Ex-
haustion of Appropriations.
wAsHINGToN Oct 24-In his annual

WASHINGTON, Oct. 24.-In his annual
report to the secretary of the navy Philip
Hichborn, chief constructor of the navy,
says that the strength of the navy on Oct.
l was 141 vessels, all told including the
ships of both old and new navies. 1t is
stated that during the last few months of
the last fiscal year a considerable amount
of work on vessels that had been author
lied by Congress had to be suspended, ow-
ing to lack Of funds. This caused heavy
drain on the new appropriations at the be-
ginning of the present fiscal year. and
makes the exhaustion of those appropria-
tions before the 1st of next July almost an
assured fact Chief Hichborn says that
this is discouraging state of affairs, as
the exhaustion means a wholesale reduc-
ton of the navy yard forces and the dis
charge of competent and trained men. He
points to the advantage and economy of
having at least one vessel building at each
important navy yard.
Probably the most desirable type of YES
sells for the purpose intended, particularly
in view of the present state of the armor
question, would be that of a sheathed cruis-
er of comparatively light draft and great
endurance, with quarters for flag officers.
Attention is called to the urgent need of
improving the navy yard plants in the in
terest of economical execution of work, and
estimates are submitted for each yard. The
plants at New York Norfolk and Mare
island require additions, alterations and re-
pairs to keep them up to proper state of
efficiency, while the yards at Boston,
Portsmouth and League island, though not
actively engaged, should be put in condi-
ton that would enable them to work adj
vantageously at short notice should occa-
sion require. A plant at Puget sound is
also said to be necessary.
During the last year the government ac-
copied finally four ShipS-the MaSSachu-
setts, Oregon, Ericsson and Brooklyn while
eleven vessels have been accepted prelimi-
narily and subject to final test, viz.-loWa.
Nashville, Wilmington, Helena, Annapolis.
Porer ana Foote IS
invited to the good results attending the
construction of the Iowa. 1t is shown that
this efficient vessel is able to carry 2l2 tons
more than was calculated on for her de-
signed draft. The changes in her case cost
only about 2 per cent. of the contract price.
OF the gunboats, the report says that their
first cost was remarkably low, aggregating
about 100000 for the nine, or not more
than the cost of a first-class armored cruis
er. The cost of their maintenance, par
ticularly with copper bottoms and consid-
cradle sail power, should be minimum.
The chief constructor, who is charged
with the duty of docking ships, makes an
urgent plea for more and better DOCKS stat
ing that the navy has been at a serious in
convenience during the past six months for
lack of proper facilities for docking battle
ships The bureau believes that the neces-
sty for an additional dock is most urgent
at Mare island, and on the Atlantic coast,
at Portsmouth and Boston, While larger
dock at Norfolk and League island would
be decided advantage. Further consid-
Grafton is also urged on the merits of the
Algiers, La, site as dry dock, and 1t is
urged that all the docks should be ready in
two years.
Chief Hichborn, under the head of armor,
renews his suggestion that the department
should no longer make separate contracts
for ships and their armor but should per-
NIT the ship builder to supply the armor.