New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-04-30
THE NAVAL APPROPRIATION BILL.

The agreement Of the conferrees on the Naval
Appropriation bill and It's ratification by the
Senate yesterday virtually assure its enactment
at an early day In form which, on the whole,
Is expected to satisfy the Department and be
approved by the country. The bill carries a
total Of S57 900, 600, and includes most Of the
Senate amendments, which involve an expend-
ture larger by about $40 900 900 than the sum
contemplated by the House The increase CORE
spends TO necessities which have come to be
clearly recognized, aud the total appropriation Is
to be distributed in such q manner as greatly to
strengthen tile naval arm for the present emer-
gency. while providing for the acquisition Of
important safeguards in the near future and
broadening the foundation for subsequent de-
velopment.
At those points where a marked deficiency Is
considered by naval authorities to be most dan
gerous an especially gratifying increment Of
strength Is noted in the bill. The United States
now has in commission four f1rst-class battle
shps-the Indiana, the Iowa, the Massachusetts
and the Oregon 1t Is believed that the Kear-
sarge and the Kentucky will be ready for ser
vice by November 1, and the Alabama, the I'LL
roIs and the Wisconsin not later than February
J. To these nine powerful fighters three more
% "
the present bill. In torpedo-boats and torpedo
boat destroyers the Navy is unfortunately
weak. and the bill wisely provides for an IN
crease Of twelve in tn. former class and sixteen
IL the latter, and in addition for four coast
defence monitors costing s1,250,000 each. The
enlistment Of additional seamen and marines
end the appointment of officers up to the grade
O. commander from civil life. with especial ref
90 <1,A
American Line steamships chartered by the
Government, are likewise authorized, and pro-
vision is made for a new naval training station,
for new buildings for the Naval Academy and
for the replacement Of buildings recently de-
g.royed by earthquake at the Mare Island Navy
ysrd
One feature Of the bill is deserving Of special
attention, namely. Its provision for a require
ment Of the service which. while absolutely IN
dspensable to the country. is not associated
with deeds Of valor and the achievement Of
glory. No one Of the shortcomings for which
Congress is responsible, and which made ridicu-
lous the attitude Of those who were eager to
have the country rush into a war that for
time seemed avoidable, n more discreditabe
than our lack Of q single drydock in which dis
sbled warshps Of large size can be received for
repairs. 1t Is true that except for a scandalous
derellction Of duty we should have been In pres
ent possession Of q drydock at the Brooklyn
Navy Yard capable of performing its function
satisfactorily But one would have been. even
in peace absurdly inadequate to our needs The
sharp menace Of actual war has been required
to arouse Congress to an appreciation Of the i'm
prudence which even now may prove extreme
ly costly at any moment. The bill under discus
sion will 90 far to supply this lamentabe de-
fciency, and the country can only hope that
good fortune will permit our one useless dry
dock to be made ready before 1t is imperatively
needed. The bill provides in part for the con-
stxuctton Of four drydocks-at Portsmouth. Bos.