The daily morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1883-1899, 1898-11-26
And the Greatest Vessel Of An
Is the Oregon. Says Secretary
Of the Navy Long.
UNJUST SYSTEM OF REWARD
Mr. Longs Annual Report Recon-
msnds a Correction Of the Abuses
Postmaster General Reports

WASHINGTON. Nov B.-sccrotafy
Long. OF tho navy department. today sub
mitted his annual report. He reviews
tho preparations for the Spanish war and
treats at length Of the operations aeainut
the Spanish navy. OF the battleship ore
CONS memorable voyage the report says.
The performances Of the Oregon on her
trip from Puget sound to Key West was
30 exceptional as to justify brief refer
ence. Leaving Puget sound on March 9.
she made long journey OF over If5OQ
miles 10 Jupiter inlet. Florida, and was
not delayed an hour on account Of her
machinery. The only stops were made for
coal Immediately efter coailng at Key
West she took her place In the bI0ckad-
ing line at Santiago. and IN the great
battle Of July quickly developed power
greater than that attained on her trial
trip. and q speed only slightly less. easily
distancing all other ships immeditely en-
gagged, except the Brooklyn, ana forcing
the feetest Of the Spanish cruisers 20
surrender"
The report shows that In the Spanish
war the United States navy suffered a
total OF II killed and 81 wounded.
There was an appropriation for the
navy department for the fiscal year end
ing July l. 1883. OF sii3 1906. but II Is ex-
pec.ed $25.Ooo,OOO unexpended money will
revert to the treasury January next
OF the system Of promotions tina report
says:
''The injustice Of the present system Of
rewarding officers for conspicuous con-
duct In battle and extraordinary herolsm
Is so apparent that the department de-
sires TO set before congress the facts In
fun and to recommend a change In the
present law on this subject As result
Of the recent war. certain officers OF tho
navy who deserved reward. and who,
under the existing law. could have Il In
no other way. were promoted over the
heads Of their brother officers, who, By
reason Of necessity for their services on
other duty. not less important, had no
chance TO participate IN the battles Of
Manila and Santiago. This worked a
hardship in many cases. and in some In
stances prevented officers who are OF
great desert from a chance OF reaching
the highest grade Of the navy"
The experience Of the war. the report
says, has demonstrated the necessity Of
establishing a national naval reserve. to
be maintained by federal appropriations.
and 20 be subject TO the call OF the ma
tional government In time Of war.
The secretary recommends that con-
gress give the department authority for
an increase in the enlisted force, when
ever necessary. to 1900 men and 20 enlist
apprentices to the number OF 25O0
In the matter OF the increase Of the
navy, the secretary says:
The naval board OF construction rec
ommends the following; Three first-eiass
battleships; estimated cost. exclusive OF
armament, $3,6OOOO0 each; three armored
cruisers, to cost A.0o000O each. exclusive
of armor; three protected cruisers, to
cost s2,l5OOOO each, and six cruisers. cost
ing S,1Il,SOO each.
REVIEW OF POSTAL SERVICE.
WASHINGTON, Nov. %.-The most in
teresting review of the postal service for
some years. owing TO its operations in
military and naval fields is the report OF
Postmaster General Charles Emory
Smith. Aside from discussion OF the
regular branches OF the department, 1t
tells of the work accomplished and the
policies adopted in our territorial acquisi-
tons. The postmaster general says:
THE war entailed the necessity OF a
military postal service and prompt meas
ures were required for handling the mails
OF an army of a quarter Of a million men.
Large postoffices were suddenly created
at the camps of concentration. the ex-
igencles of constant changes and move
ments were met, and the military and
naval forces in active service In the West
Indies and the Philippines had prompt
and constant postal Communication with
home.
These military postofflces were clothed
with all possible powers. Some Of the
larger camps increased the volume NJ
postal business TO that Of cities Of high
rank. Quick and intelligent manage
ment was demanded and trained clerks
were detailed from available points"
Continuing, the report says:
when our troops advanced into Cuba
the postal service also advanced with
them. The postal service accompanied
our army and flag to Porto Rico. In the
Philippines two military postal stations
have been established at Manila and
Cavite"
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