Evening star., 1898-03-21

inferentiaIly@ the statement was dismissed
as unwarranted. One high Official, who
would be very likely to know II such infor-
nation had been brought, stated that II 1t
was in hand, the fact had never been made
Known to him, and he seriously doubted its
correctness.
1t was pointed out also that Lieut.. Blow
was a junior officer compared with Lieut..
Holman, another OF the Maine survivors, who
arrived here Saturday and that Admiral Sic
ard would 80 set aside the punctilious re-
quirements Of naval procedure by passing
over a higher official and cdmmitting such
a grave responsibility to Junior. Lieut..
Blow has gone to La Sale, H.. for a rest,
and the other Maine survivors are also free
to go where they please and recuperate
from the trying ordeal through which they
have passed.
No More Ships Bought.
The government has made no further
purchases of warships, but its negotiations
in that line have at least been productive
of one important result, namely, in estab-
fishing that unless the battle ship O'Hig-
gins becomes the property of the United
States it will not be sold at all. Spain 1t
is confidently asserted, will not be able to
secure this war vessel, nor are her chances
any better, or as good as those of the
United States. Practically the same con-
dition prevails as to the Argentine armored
cruiser San Martino, which will become the
property Of this government If 1t passes
out Of the hands Of Argentina.
Secretary Longs office at the Navy De-
partment was again the center of animated
conference today. Senator Hale, chairman
of the Senate committee on naval affairs,
of.
half an hour with Mr.. Long. Another Wis
itor was Senator Cullom. Senator Pritch-
ard of North Carolina also had a talk with
Mr.. Long. Mr.. Hale went from the Secre-
tary's office to the White House and had
a talk with the President. Within, a short
time he was followed by Secretary Long,
who spent some time with the President.
The Secretary carried with him a bundle
of documents. which. however, was his
usual custom. Senator Hanna came to the
Secretarys Office during his absence, and,
learning that he was with the President,
spent some time in conference with Assist
ant Secretary Roosevelt. Mr. Roosevelt
will appear before the Senate committee
on naval affairs tomorrow in connection
with pending naval legislation, especially
the construction of new dry docks.
Secretary Long issued an order toda-- as
signing to the Amazonas, the cruiser re-
Gently purchased at Newcastle-on-Tyne
from the Brazilian government, the name
of New Orleans, in honor of the principal
city Of Louisiana. Telegraphic instructions
to this effect were sent to the naval officer
in command of the vessel, who will take
immediate steps to carry them into effect.
Department, all vessels of the navy of the
cruiser type are named after cities of tine
Union The main reason for the selection
of New Orleans as the name of the war
ship acquired from the sister republic of
South America is that Louisiana is one of
the very few states of the Union not repre-
sented in the navy at this time.
There was quite contest among several
other cities to have the new warship named
in their honor. but after full considera-
ton of the various claims Secretary Long
considered that the compliment properly
belonged to the crescent city. Albany N
Y, Providence. r. L., and Buffalo, N. r.,
We're specially advanced as being entitled
to the honor.
The cruiser Abreuall, recently purchased
in England from the Brazilian government,
capital of New York state.
The department may conclude to retain the
historic name Mayfower for the vessel of
that name now fitting out at New York
navy yard as a torpedo boat destroyer
Future Movements of the Vesuyius.
Lieut.. Commander J. E. PiIlsbury, COM
tbs dynamite cruiser Vesuvius,
which has just arrived at the Washington
navy yard from Florida, was at the Navy
Depai'tm .rlt today in conference with the
officials in regard to the probable destina-
ton and duties of that unique craft when
she is again ready for service. The pneu-
matic gear used in operating the dynamite
tubes is undergoing repairs. which 1t is cal
culated will take about two weeks time Il
is considered probable. in view Of the speed
power Of the Vesuvius, that she may be
attached 20 the so-called flying squadron
which, 1t is alleged, is soon to assemble at
Hampton Roads, with a view of making
quick runs to such points as would enable
II to harass and damage the commerce of
Spain, in case circumstances should Justify
such proceeding. According to present
plans. the squadron to be organized at
Roads will consist .; the battle
ships Massachusetts, and Texas and the
cruisers Brooklyn, Minneapolis and Column
eia. The Vesuvius would be perfectly at
hcme in such company. being faster than
either of the battleships and nearly the
equal In speed Of the pennant holders
and Columbia.
Commodore Howell Likely to Conn
mand.
Although no orders to that effect have
yet been given. 1t is generally believed in
naval circles that Commodore Howell will
be assigned to the command of this fleet,
This officer was recently in command of
the European squadron, which has just
been abandoned by the recall to the United
States of the three vessels conprising IT.
Ban Francisco, Helena end Bancroft. Com
Hodore Howell Is now on the San Fran
cisco. which WAS the f2gship of the sta
ton. and will accompany her ON her cruise
to the United States as the convoy Of ths
cruiser New Orleans. formerly the Anna
zoras of the Brazilian navy. It is expected
that these two vessels will soon start from
England on their voyage across the At
lantic ocean. and the probabilities are that
they will make Hampton Roads their des-
thation. In case of his return to the