Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-03-10

The reason back of this Is that the
sum that can be proftably spent for
warships cannot even be guessed at with
any approximation TO accuracy just now,
and as the ships are to be first choice in
the steps for defence, until their cost is
ascertained it is not possible to divide
the remainder Of the appropriation among
the other branches OF the military and
naval services.
The Secretary Of the Navy is making
every effort to secure from our naval
attaches and diplomats abroad all in
formation obtainable respecting the num-
Der of ships building. their price, and
other data. This does not necessarily in
terfere with the execution of the plans
confided to Captain Brownson, who sailed
for Southampton to-day, but rather pro-
misses to assist him materially in making
speed with his inquiries.
Up to this moment not only has the
United States Government bought no
warships, but it has not even secured
an option on one There are many ap-
plcations coming TO the department from
persons and firms who desire to sell
ships to the government, but in most OF
these cases one of two fatal obstacles is
encountered to the consummation of the
sale. Either the craft offered Is not
suitable for naval needs or the date of
possible completion is so distant-from
three months upward-that the vessel
cannot be regarded as worthy Of pur-
chase to meet an emergency
POWDER AND SHOT.
There is less difficulty experienced in
securing tenders of war material, sucn
as shot and shell and powder, and the
Navy Department has almost assured 1t
self of an abundant supply OF certain
kinds of smokeless powder abroad at
short notice. The officials Of the depart
ment are daily in correspondence by mail
and telegraph with agents Of ammunition
houses. and, besides, are now fully dc-
quainted with the plans Of domestic
poyder-makers for enlarging their plants
to meet an emergency.
The representatives of the armor-
making firms are in consultation with
the department steadily, generally rela-
tive to the supply of gun-Srgings and
such material for use in the gun-shops
here and at Watervliet. but the matter
of armOr is receiving little attention, as
the armor manufacturers say that they
cannot undertake to make armor for
modern battleships in less than ten
months. as the tempering and harden
ing the value Of the armor.
Thus il has been demonstrated TO the
Government that 1t would be impossible
to make the armor for the battleships
now building at Newport News, at
Cramps. and at the Union Iron-Works,
al San Francisco, In time to armor these
ships this year
THE MAINE INQUIRY.
The statement was made at the Navy
Department this evening that the Maine
court Of inquiry will report to the depart
ment some time next week. II did not
appear. however, that this statement was
founded upon any direct facts, but was
rather an estimate based on the progress
so far made. as revealed by the change
i'm the methods of the court.
Congratulations are coming TO the
White House from all parts of the coun-
try on the attitude of the administration
in the present phase Of the Spanish ques-
ton.
Official reports indicate that the auto
nomy scheme projected for Porto Rico
has been put into successful operation.
This is interesting mainly because of the
resemblance between the project and the
plan which II Is now sought to put in play
in Cuba.
SUPPLY OF RIFLES.
The War Department Is arranging 10
secure a supply of the most modern rifles
sufficient in time of emergency to arm a
force Of 10000 men.
Senior MendOnca, the Brazilian Minis
ter. said to-day that he has received no
information as To the reported negotia
tions toward the purchase Of Brazilian
warships now in course of construction
in foreign yards. In other official quar-
ters, the impression is growing that there
is "a better prospect of securing ships now
building for Argentina and Chile. Brazil
has been active of late in building up her
navy, and there is doubt as to her willing
ness To part with any of the ships now
being built for her. These include two
ironcads being built at the Armstrong
yards, two ironclads at La Seine France
and three torpedo boat-catchers at Stet-
tin, Germany. Considerable payments
have been made on these, and they have
become largely the property OF Brazil
1t is claimed. however that the report
of a treaty between Brazil and Chile.
which would prevent either from selling
a ship unless the other sold one at the
same time is erroneous.
The administration has definite infor-
nation. from a source which Is regarded |
as beyond question, to the effect that
Spain has not purchased the two Brazil
ian cruisers Barbosc and Amazonas.
COLUMBIA AND MINNEAPOLIS.
The cruisers Columbia and Minneapolis.
1t is now expected, will be fitted out and
manned by the 18th instant. IL is likely |
that the two vessels will go Immediately
10 Hampton Roads, where they will meet
the Brooklyn.
lnasmuch as the return to Washington
Of Mr.. Hulse, who acted as one OF the |
stenographers of the court of inquiry at !
Key West, has been the basis for an as !
sumption that he, brought to the Secre- |
tary of the Navy a report from the court, |
and also that he gave the Secretary what |
purported 10 be the conclusions of the |
court as TO the cause Of the Maine disas-
ter 1t may be stated by authority of the |
Secretary that he has not seen or COM |
municated with Mr.. Hulse since the lat |
ters return, nor does he expect TO do so. |
SO far as can be gathered. Mr. Hulse left |
the court of inquiry because 1t had no |
longer need for his services.
Cheers for Warships.
LONDON, March l0.-The indications !
are that the United States Government |
will not wait for the arrival here of |
Commander willard Brownson in order |
to purchase warships. Definite offers |