Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-03-08
THE BIG EMERGENCY FUND
Discussing the Needs Of the Army and
Iefnf Navy.
ships offered for Sale-Powder and
Shot THIN Should BE Procured
No Bonds to BE Issued.

Mr.. Cannch's resolution appropriating
100000 for, rational defense is the prin-
cipal topic Of discussion in military circles.
Its great significance is due to the fact
that 1t was offered after conference with
the President Senator Hale and other lead
Ing spirits IN Congress 1t is said by Off
Gals who will have the disposition of this
treasure that it by no means follows be-
cause Congress places such sum of money
in the control of the President that he will
feel bound to spend all of it. Those who look
Tor wholesale purchase of warshps from
the bargain counters Of European build
ers are likely to be disappointed. The Navy
department at present is inclined to make
but one purchase of this kind, at first at
least, Ill the shape of a substantial ironclad.
II does desire to get possession of several
OF the larger class Of torpedo boat destroy
ers, such as the Sokul of the Russian navy,
vessels of 300 tons, able to keep the sea in
bad weather, weak point with our own
beats, and capable Of enormous speed, such
as ~ knots.
The offers of ships to the Navy Depart
ment are now assuming definite and formal
shape. Secretary Long yesterday received
call from A. F. Lane, representing the
Maxim Nordenfeldt Company, and the
agent for several war vessels now nearing
completion in large foreign shpyards
Inese include two cruisers of the type of
the Cincinnati, which are designed to be
-o-knot vessels, and two ironclads of II
knots, which would be called third-class
battle ships under our rating. These are
now open to purchase, and 1t is underSt God
That Mr.. Lanes visit was in this connec-
ton. All four vessels, it is said, could be
IN commission within few months. They
We're originally designed for one of the
South American republics, but there is said
TO pc no obligation which would prevent
their acquisition by the United States.
Ammunition Wanted.
W lille no exact estimate has been made
OF the share Of the $50,OOO,0O0 appropria-
ton to be allotted to ammunition, it is
roughly estimated that at least $40, OGU, 900
would be SO assigned, owing to the enor-
nous cost of refilling the ammunition
chests of the warships now in service At
present there is not enough ammunition on
hand for one reflling beyond that now on
board A single refilling costs $3000,OOO.
f1ach hrst-class battle ship carries 400 tons
OF ammunition. With the amounts on hand
and the refiils which are being calculated
on, the navy would have an ample supply
of ammunition, even if the ships were
called into frequent action.
Bonds Not to he Issued.
The appropriation of $5O,000,OOO for the
national defense will not involve the issue
OF bonds. This announcement was made
by treasury officials, who state that the
treasury is amply prepared TO meet any
demands that will likely be made upon it,
On February the cash in the treasury
amounted to $s56,571 1856 of which s2D4-
o63,91T was gold, $511 SIS, S54 silver slO7,-
564,9oS in paper currency and $33, 0S4 ,0u2 in
disbursing officers balances, etc The net
available cash on hand ABOVE all liabil-
tiles, amounts to S223, 4,23.