The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1897-05-06
ARMY AND NAVY,

Whatever may be the outcome Of the war
between Greece aud Turkey. the Administers
ton will not modify the orders to Admiral
Selfridgc, commanding the American fleet,
with regard to the part his ships will take.
The Admiral, when it became apparent that
war was inevitable, was ordered to keep his
squadron along the Turkish coast and to avoid
tho neighborhood OF the foreign fleets, in order
that the United States might not be brought
into contact with the powers in their relations
to the war. Four ships comprise the squadron
now. and by May Is another, the Raleigh, will
be ON hand. The Withdrawal of the Cincin-
natl on the arrival of the Raleigh will be de-
layed, however, for the present. Neither will
the Minneapolis, which 1t was proposed to
order home, be relieved for the present Five
ships are said to be required TO give adequate
patrol to the long stretch of Turkish coast and
to visit the Consulates aud communicate with
the Minister at Constantinople.
There are bright prospects that every Cadet
in the final graduating class this year at An
napolis will find berth in the Navy, either in
the line, Engineer or Marine Corps. The pres
ent class numbers q line men and 12 in the
Engineer division. Two of the line Cadets are
studying naval architecture abroad, and are to
be appointed Assistant Constructors in june
thus reducing the number to be provided
commissions in the grade Of Ensign to %.
There are new 81 line vacancies, and one more
in sight by the retirement of Admiral Brown
in June. Two or three other vacancies will
probably be created by retirements or casual
ties SO that by July !. when the class is COM
missioned, each Cadet finally graduating will
unquestionabiy find place.
Mr.. Roosevelt has found the plan for the pro-
posed Summer work of the State naval militia
outlined and ready for final consideration. Mr.
McAdoo, at the suggestion of Secretary Long,
took up the subject soon after the Administra-
ton came into power, and has been in com.
muncation with the Governors of the several
States He expects replies soon, naming dates
in July and August as most agreeable to their
militia 10 CO. operate with the ships of the North
Atlantic Station in the forthcoming progra m,
which is somewhat more ambitious than those
previously carried out. The plan is to concen-
trate the naval militia of two or three States at
a given point, 90 into camp and receive in
structions in shore and sea duty. At times to
be later determined. vessels of the Navy are to
visit the encampment and take the reserves for
q short cruise to sea.
With the approaching completion of the
bsttleship Iowa and of number of the small
gunboats, the need of more men for the
vessels of the Navy is made apparent and, to
meet the needs of the service, Ut not being
possible to increase the number Of sailors
Secretary Long is about to put ont of commits.
sion several of the big cruisers SO as he able to
use their men to make up the crews for the
newly acquired vessels. The ram Katahdin is
already out of commission, and as soon as the
Grant Monument ceremonies are over in New
York, the triple. cruiser Columbia will
be laid up Her sister ship--the feet Min.
neapolis-wil follow to the dock. She is now
in Europe, but will come back in short time
With the crews of these vessels the Depart-
ment will have thousand men available for
the other ships.