Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-12-06

almost unprecedented interest in the nro-
posed Exposition, and the information tbus
acquired enabled him to justify an applica.
ton for much larger allotment of space
for the American section than had reen
reserved by the Exposition authorities The
result was particularly gratifying in view
OF the fact that the United States WAS ore
OF the last countries to accept the invitation
of France.
The reception accorded our Special Com
missioner was most cordial and he was
given every reasonable assurance that the
United States would receive a consideration
commensurate with the proportions of our
exhibit. The report of the Special Commits.
sioner as to the magnitude and Importance
OF the coming Exposition and the great de-
Hiano Tor space by American exhibitors
supplies new arguments for liberal and
1udicious appropriation by Congress to the
end that an exhibit fairly representative of
the industries and resources of our country
may be made in an Exposition which will
Illustrate tie worlds progress during the
nineteenth century. That Exposition is In
tended to he the mest important and COM
prehensive of the long series of interna-
tional exhibitions, of which our own at
Chicago was a brilliant example, and it is
make worthy exhibit of American genius
and skill and their unrivaled achievements
in every branch of industry
NAVY'S EFFECTIVE FORCE.
The present Immediately effective force
of the Navy consists of four battleships of
the first class, two of the second. and
forty-eisht other vessels, ranging from
armored cruisers to torpedo boats. There
are under construction five battleships of
the first class, sixteen torpedo boats and
one submarine boat. No provision has vet
been made for the armor of three of the
five battleships. as it has been impossible
to obtain it at the price fixed by Congress.
1t Is Of great Importance that Congress
provide this armor, as until then the ships
are of no fighting value.
The present naval force. especially In
view OF It's increase by the ships now under
construction, while not as large as that of
a few other powers, Is formidable fore:
its vessels are the very best of each tyne:
and with the increase that should be made
to 1t from time to time in the future, and
careful attention to keeping 1t in a high
state Of efficiency and repair, 1t is well
adapted to the necessities of the country.
The great increase Of the Navy which
hasseaken place in recent years was tusti
fled by the requirements for national de-
Tense. and has received public appreciation
The time has now arrived, however. when
this increase, to which the country is COM
mitted. should, for a time, take the form
OF increased facilities commensurate with
the increase Of our naval vessels 1t is an
unfortunate fact that there is only one
dock on tho Pacific Coast capable Of dock
ing our largest ships, and only enc on the
Atlantic Coast, and that the latter has for
the last six or seven months been under
repair and Therefore incapable of use. Inn
mediate steps should be taken to provide
three or four docks Of this capacity on the
Atlantic Coast at least one on the Pacific
Coast. and a floating dock in the Gulf
This Is the recommendation of a very COM
petent Board. appointed to investigate the
subject. There should also be ample pro-
vision made for powder and projectiles,
and other munitions of war. and for an
Increased number of officers and enlisted
men. Some additions are also necessary to
our navy-yards, for the repair and care of
our larger number of vessels. As there are
now on the stocks five battleships of the
largest CASA which can not be completed
for year or two. concur with the recon-
mendation Of :he Secretary Of the Navy for
an appropriation authorizing the construc-
ton Of one battleship for the Pacific Coast.
where. at present. there il only one in COM
mission and one under constructors. while
on the Atlantic Coast there are three in