The Portland daily press., 1898-03-16
DEPARTMENTS BUSY.
Ordnance Department Provided With
Funds Yesterday,
AND BUSINESS WENT FORWARD
WITH A RUSH.

Builder Herresh off Called to Washington
BY Secretary Long-Department much
Ry Slowness in Constructing Coast De-
fences-The Derrick Chief Arrives at
Havana.
Washington, March 15.-This was
another busy day in the war and navy
departments. Secretary Alger was en-
abIed to make an allotment OF funds
from the appropriation of $50. o00, QUO
which will facilitate the work OF the
bureaus. These bureaus had not been
able to conclude any contracts for the pro-
curement of war supplies because no
allotment had been made, but this after.
noon the ordnance bureau was given two
and half million dollars, and business
went forward with rush. 1t is true that
the sum is already morsgaged under pro-
yisional arrangements made during the
past week, but with the assurance of
more funds to come the work Of the bureau
is now moving rapidly.
Secretary Long was extremely busy
today, having not only to give a good
deal of time to the cabinet, to which he
was obliged to return twice, but also be-
ing Obliged to see q great many persons
with whom the department has or ex-
poets to have contract relations. Among
the latter was Mr. Herreshoff, the torpedo
boat builder from Bristol, r. I. He turned
two of these boats over to the depart
ment few days ago and the secretary IS
purpose in consulting him was to learn
how much he could hasten the work on
one of the boats remaining in his hands
which in ordinary times would require
about two months to finish.
The secretary also spent good deal
of time at intervals during the day in
consulting over the long distance tele-
phone with naval officers in New York
and it is thought much of this consulta-
tion concerned the procurement OF su1ta-
BILE vessels from among the auxiliary for
war purposes
Mr.. Malster Of the Columbian iron
works, Baltimore, notified the DEPART
ment that he will be able to turn over
the torpedo boat Rodger next Saturday
The Rodger smashed her engines in the
midst Of trial trip about six uonths
ago. 1t was necessary almost to replace
the engines. but under the hurry orders
from the navy department this has been
done in good time. 1t is expected the
boat will be taken at once from Baltt-
more to Norfolk The department has no
disposition to waste time at this juno
ture in making trial trips, but knowing
tho boat to be CT satisfactory design, like
her sister boat, the Winslow, and Of good
workmanship, according to this naval re-
ports, she will be accepted out OF hand,
as were the Gwin and Talbot last week.
The new cruiser Amazonas, according
to plans, will be manned entirely from
the San Francisco. That vessel sailed at
6 this morning from Lisbon and will
arrive at the Tyne about Friday. 1t is
expected sbs will divide her officers and
crew with the AlnazoDas, placing Lieut..
Commander Arthur P. Nazro, executive
officer of the San Francisco in charge of
the latter vessel Without doubt the Anna
zonas will be gotten across the ocean as
soon as possible and 1t is expected that
the San Francisco will convoy her. The
torpedo boat Foote arrived at Jackson
vile this afternoon. The Maohias sailed
from Norfolk to Boston where she will
undergo some repairs made necessary
by her long Asiatio cruise.
The Brooklyn went up to Newport
News for coal The Marblehead, which
was taking on stores at Tampa, sailed
TO reioin the squadron at TOrtugas. ef.
Judge Advocate General Lemly resolved
a telegram this afternoon from Havana,
announcing the arrival there of the der
rick Chief in tow Of tug Underwater
Tt is expected that this derrick will
greatly facilitate the work OF wrecking
the Maine.
The war department is greatly disap-
pointed and annoyed at the slowness
shown by contractors who have under
taken to construct the new Notifications
along the coast. 1t is expected only one
among the whole number has finished
his contract on time. The department has
bsen embarrassed thereby in placing its
guns and has been obliged to extend the
time allowed these contractors. The de-
partment has determined not to submit
to further obstruction in executing the
work undertaken, but will do the work
itself and refrain from entering into con-
tractS