New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-03-09
LOOKING For WARSHIPS.
THE NAVY DEPARTMENT AscERTA1N1NG
WHAT VESSELS CAN BE BOUGHT

AND REVENUE CUTTERS CONSipbhh'p'
Washington March s.-There was strong
suggestion Of the state OF affairs that might eH-
ist in time of actual war in the busy scenes
presented at the Navy and War Departments
to-day There was an almost rnbroken sue
cession of conferences between officers and OIL
Gals OF various degrees and throughout ooth
these branches Of the war establishments tiie
greatest activity was exhibited
Secretary Long was particularly busy BE-
fore 10 o'clock he had been obliged to retire 10
his private Office and deny himself to callers IN
order TO hold a conference. Senator Lodge was
present as well as Chairman Hale, OF the SEN
ate Naval Committee; Chairman Boutelle, or the
House Naval Committee; Captain Crowninshieid
Chief OF the Navigation Bureau; Captain Brad
ford. Chief OF the Navigation Bureau; Cap
tain Brownson and Assistant Secretary
Roosevelt. Chief Constructor Hichborn ana Ad-
mral Matthews. Chief Of the Bureau OF Yards
and Docks were also called to the conference
by the Secretary to deal with special phases OF
the question under consideration,
The conference had to do with the preparations
for putting the Navy In the highest possible
state Of efficiency and the fact that Secretary
Long is consulting at every step with the repre-
sentatives of the legislative branch Of the Gov
eminent shows the desire OF the President to
keep within the strict spirit Of the Constitution.
Secretary Long found time during the progress
Of the conference TO talk a moment with Mr.
Lane who has submitted to the Department
proposals for the sale of certain Warshps now
building in Europe ut private shipyards. What
passed between them is not known. but MI
Lane FASTENED Immediately TO the cable office at
the conclusion OF the conversation 10 cOmmuni-
cate directly with his principals in Europe.
The Secretary made 1t plain to the legislators
at the conference that the Department is much
better prepared than has been supposed in the
matter Of accurate information OF the shipbuld-
ing in progress in European shpyards. But
the point on which the Department now seeks
to inform itself goes beyond this and looks to
occurring information as to which Of these ships
can be purchased Immediately.
NEGOTIATIONS FOR JAPANs CRUISERS.
1t is known positively that negotiations are
in progress toward having the United States ac-
quire the two crack cruisers now building for
Japan one at the Cramp shipyard a Philade
phia and the other at the Union Iron Works Of
San Francisco. The negotiations are naturally
circuitous. and there are three parties in inter-
est, namely, the japanese Government, the
United States and the shipbuilders. There is
good reason to believe that terms could be made
between the United States and the shipbuders,
and that so far as they are concerned the trans
action could be concluded without much further
negotiation. But there is no disposition to ignore
the rights OF Japan. While suggestions have
been made that the right Of eminent domain
would permit the United States to take the two
cruisers without reference to Japans rights.
there is no purpose among officials here to re-
sort to such radical steps. Moreover 1t is said
that such action would be an offence against
Japan and an unfriendly act which this Gov
eminent is not likely to commit at this moment
toward friendly Power. The present negotia-
tons contemplate Japan's full acquiescence and
how far they will succeed cannot be said at
this time. 1t Is known, positively. however. that
no overtures have been submitted thus far 10
the authorities at Toxic. and it would be for
them to give the final decision. Pending this
contract could not be made nor an option
given.
The negotiations took a marked step forward
to-day, although, as stated, they have not yet
reached the final stage The two cruisers
not only being built for Japan, but they have
already become the actual property Of Japan
by the payment OF a considerable portion Of the
purchase price. 81 $4,000 each. They are within
three months of completion on an emergency
basis. They are designed to make twenty-five
cruisers in the world Their armament pri-
mary and secondarily Is according 10 Japan
csc naval standards. which proved so effective
In her recent war with China.
The officials here feel that there Is not likely
to be any exhibition of disposition on the part
of the Japanese Government to stand upon tech
nical objections to the sale Of these ships to the
United States Government in case the decision
is reached to purchase them, basing this belief
many kindly expressions that Of late have
come to their notice, and on the past record
of thn lar
A prof. ostiOn that received instant attention,
and is expected to he approved in the end, came
to the Navy Department to-day This was 10
turn to the Navy Department ten of the
best boats in the lighthouse service. These boats
from three hundred to four hundred tons
thoroughly familiar with every indentation of
the Atlantic Coast. and capable Of being easily
transformed into efficient gunboats The Man
grove is vessel of this character stancb and
speedy. 1t is proposed to place G-inch rifle
on a pivot mount on each vessel forward. and
light armor around the boilers and machinery
TO protect them from small-arm fire. at least.
The attention OF the Department has also
been called to the feasibility of recruiting the
naval list from the revenue marine cutters a
number Of which are fully equal. when armed
to the smaller type of gunboats now in the
service II these vessels should be used. they
would he assigned to duty along the Southern
coasts maintaining blockades and relieving the
larger and more expensive cruisers OF much
annoying duty
THE RIGHT TO BUY WARSHIPs.
AS 10 the right to buy foreign warships. all
authorities agree that such purchases may be
made. even after hostillties have begun. If the
neutral nation exercises strict impartiaity be-
tween the belllgerents. and the ships are not
armed and fitted out ready for service. The
trade of shipbulldins is recognized as a leglt-
mate one which may be carried at all times
Mr. Clay when Secretary OF State, laid down
the principle as follows:
II 1t be forbidden by the law of nations to sell to
a belligerent armed vessel completely equipped
and ready for action, IL Is believed NOT TO be CON
trary TO the law 10 sell to a belgerent a vessel In
any other state although 1t may be convertible into
ship OF war.