Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-03-12
THREE MORE BATTLE SHIPS
Important Action of the House Naval Attain
Committee.
Only One Dissenting Voice and Thai
Only Partial Dissent-After the
Brasilfan WRrship..

The House committee on naval affairs has
authorized the construction of three battle
ships. and a provision for their construc-
ton has been inserted in the naval appro-
priation bill. AT the same time the COM
mittee agreed on a maximum price OF $500
a ton for armor plate for our vessels in
creased the force of naval marines by l73
men and put matters in fair shape for a
decision later on the location of dry docks
probably four in number. capable of ac-
commodating the largest-sized war vessels
The committee was in session practically
all day yesterday, and before the decision
on the increase of ships was reached there
was long and interesting discussion.
Representative Tate CGa.), while favoring
an increase. believed that two vessels
would be ample and that further expendi-
trre beyond the point of necessity should
be avoided. Representative Loudenslager
of New Jersey protested that IL the
strength of the navy was to be increased
at all IL should be to the extent of three
new vessels, built and armored TO meet
any vessel afioat.
Representative Hawley of Texas moved
that cruiser be substituted for one of the
battle ships. but subsequently Withdrew the
motion. When the vote was taken there
was but one dissenting voice. MIR. Tate in
sisted that two battle ships would be suffi-
cient to meet present needs
The new warships provided for will be of
the finest pattern Ii will be two years
doubtless before they can be placed I'm COM
mission. One of them the committee de-
cided, should bear the name of the ill.,
fated Maine. The appropriation for their
construction was not fixed, being referred
10 the subcommittee on appropriations
which will report to the full committee to-
morrow. The cost, il is expected. will be
about S.ro,oo0 each though for the fiscal
year covered i'm the bill the amount of ex-
penditure may not exceed S2.em.eoo each.
An important question was raised as TO
whether the expenditures for the new ships
should be betrayed out of the $50 900 600
emergency bill, but this subject YVES pass
ed over.
Inquiry's Result Not known Here
The statement was pers.stently circulate
ed yesterday afternoon, and in some cases
the report came flom those whose sources
Of information should be reliable that
the administration was in possession of
limitations or information that the result
of the investigation of the court of in
quiry as to the cause of The Maine disaster
would show that the explosion which ,le-
stroyed the battle snip came from some
external agency. A cabinet officer was
even quoted as making this announcement,
and another report had IL that the stpno-
graphic notes of the inquiry were before
secretary Long. When tho matter was
brought To the attention of Secretary Long
ne pronounced the statements a = fall In
every particular.
There is hot word of truth in them
ne SAID. No word has been received by
the President or any one else as 20 what
the board of INJURY will determine. The
lumor was floating about all after1 ,1n.
but ii is utterly without foundation"
Likely to Get BraziI's ships.
The Navy Department has reason TO no.
heve That it will secure the two warships
Amazonas ana her sister ship now building
in England for Brazil 1t was stated al the
cabinet meeting yesterday by Secretary
Long that the naval attache at London
Lieutenant Colwell, had almost compi.ted
the negotiations for the sale. So far how
ever, the final notification from him that
his Offer has been accepted has not yet
reached the Navy Department
A member of the cabinet made the fol-
lowing statement the subject after the
close of yesterdays meeting:
1t is now altogether probable that We
Will secure two vessels that are under con-
struction for the Brazilian government 1t
is not possible at this time to say Just how
many ships in all the government will he
abe to secure. 1t has options on number
That have been offered, but nothing is like
~ &c be definitely accomplished in the way
OF acquiring them until an examination IS
made into their condition, for which Dur
pose a naval officer has been dispatched
abroad. We do not want a LOT of vessels
that other nations contracted to he huilt
and now find are not up to expectations L
should not be surprised but what the Presi-
cent would zoe able to get five or six vessels
in ALL The fact is notorious that there are
a great many really good vessels to be had.
but L should not be surprised if We were
able to get a half dozen formidah bile ONES
at least The SJo9noo appropriated for
war preparations will be expended I'm this
country except such as may he used in the
purchase of ships and in the acquisition of
inunluons or war that are not obtainable
here.
Yes, L think the sympathy of the British
government in this controversy is with the
United States. At any rate she does not
side with Spain. / do not mean by this
statement to have you infer that the Eng
hshman will openly advocate our cause anil
extend us substantial help, but will give us
their moral support"