Evening journal., 1897-11-22

the following, enplacements: Twelve
inch 10; 10-inch. GO; S-inch. 81; rapid
fire 9; mortars. lGS.
The estimates for the engineering
work of seacoast dcfenses for the fiscal
year ending juno 30. 1899. aggregate
S5.Sl0O00. The total amount actually
expended for the Improvement of rivers
and harbors during the fiscal year end
ed June 30, 1897, aggregated Sl3,46l, 1885,
The total estimate submitted for the
0scal year ending June 30, 1899, for con-
tinuous work authorized by congress-
and by the secretary OF war is $lS,09S.-
00736. In addition 20 the estimate sub
mitted for work under continuing con-
tracts an estimate rs presented for the
construction and maintenance of works
which have been authorized by con-
gress. but not provided for by such
continuing contracts. amounting TO $780,
$50 153. The secretary says:
1.-The time seems TO have arrived when
an increase In the number of officers
and enlisted men of,the engineer corps
is indispensable. This Is one special
reason why II Is believed that an in
crease OF cadets at West Point win be
beneficial, as more than formerly can
be assigned TO the engineer corps and
prohtably employed. while the expert
ence thus gained viii be of great bene-
Mt 10 them In future years In the line
of their profession.
"Seascoast defenses are being rap
idly constructed, and they should be
completed at the earliest possible date.
1 therefore urge that the full amount
of the estimate be appropriated.
"The estimates for river and harbor
! improvements submitted by the chief
of engineers have been prepared in ac-
cordance with the requirements Of law.
They greatly exceed former estimates.
with the exception of waterways and
harbors where there is a large traffic
or where immediate improvement is
imperatively needed. / am convinced
the estimates are largely in excess of
what they should be at a time when
the demands upon the treasury are as
great as now. II is therefore recon-
mended that the amount to be appro-
priated be largely reduced below the
estimates"
General Flagler. chief OF ordnance
reports the number of seacoast guns
manufactured was about so per cent
more than in any preceding year and
urges the importance of securing n sup
ply Of powder and projectiles (especial.
" the latter for the guns already
mounted The estimates for armament
Of fortlhcations for the fiscal year end
ing June 80. 1899. is S7.4GS 051. or 81. COS.
24S in excess of the appropriation foi
the fiscal year ending June 30. 1898
Secretary Alger urges that the esti
mates Of the chief of ordnance be ap
propriated. The providing OF adequate
seacoast defenses. while extensive now
will cease as soon as the requirement
are fulfilled. and the secretary believe
IL will be a wise economy TO push for
ward the great work 10 the fullest ex
tent
The chief signal officer. in continuanc
OF experimental work with military bal
, looms. asks an appropriation OF $1,000
for the purpose. Secretary Alger say
this is an object which needs investiga
tion, and as the amount asked for
not large, he commends II, as also tn
estimate Of $4,000 for cable system
for the harbors of New York Bosto
and San Francisco.
The army department expenditure
, for the fiscal year ended June 30. 1s9
: were $40, $50 1856. The appropriations +,
the present fiscal year are given q
S62. $50, AZ, while the estimates for n
, next fiscal year are Sg6.25S.445 E'
I penditures from permanent annual M
: propriations and appropriations for wa
J claims are not included in the above.