The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-03-13
Az THE NAVY DEPARTMENT.
Emergency Preparations Under Way
I'm All Branches.


WASHINGTON, March 12-Emergency
preparations were continued to-day in all
branches OF the Navy Department. The
Bureau of Construction of the Navy De-
pertinent finds itself exceptionally we'll pre-
pared for any emergency work that 1t may
be called upon to perform in connection
with the auxiliary cruisers. 1t is due to an
organization which. in ordinary times, is so
arranged that the force can be made speed
lily available for emergency demands. 1t is
said that less than an hours work would
be required in the bureau office here to
complete all the plans for the transforma-
Eion OF two of the best ships on the Allan
tic into auxiliary cruisers. The detailed
work of reconstruction could be accom-
plished with like dispatch at the League
Island navy yard. AT that point there is a
naval constructor and an ample force of
draughtsmsn. Work on the battle ship Ala
bama is now in progress at Cramps yard,
but, as there is no present prospect of COM
plotting her, the large force of men could be
withdrawn from the Alabama and set to
work on the auxiliary cruisers 1t is not
doubted that the Cramps yard could give
the government every facility in the way
OF workmen &c their disposal. The same
readiness for quick work of construction
exists at Newport News and at Norfolk
At Newport News there is a naval con-
structor, three assistants and thirty
draughtsmen ready to begin work of this
character at any time. The large dock at
that point gives an additional facility. At
Norfolk the construction department has an
effective force ready to begin work at once
Thus far the work the auxiliary feet
las not begun, but it is a source of salts
faction at the Navy Department to know
that ample facilities are ready on short no.
tice whenever this branch of work is re-
CURED
The secretary % the navy has directed
that q recruiting station be opened in
Washington Immediately, the special pur-
lose being to secure ordinary seamen and
machinists. Lieutenant Robinson, at pres
ent on duty at the Washington navy yard
VIII BE- in charge OF the station, which will
morning.
The naval inspection board has gone down
to Norfolk to examine the Ma ehias, just re-
turned from the Asiatic station by way of
ouez. These inspections are always made
on the return of a vessel from a tour of
outy on a foreign station, with the purpose
OF ascertaining the exact condition of the
ship and what she needs generally in the
way or repairs. In the case % the Machias
a. IS probable that rather extensive over
hauling would be necessary to put the ves-
sci IN prime condition, but in view of the
ana the desire of the department not to be
deprived of the use of the ship for any con-
siderable time. 1t is probable that the board
VIII reduce repairs to be ordered to the low
est possible dimensions.
In making preparations for the possibili-
ties OF the future, the Navy Department has
by 10 means overlooked the strategic de-
Tense of the Pacific coast. To guard prop
erty OF this important seaboard it has been
found necessary to send an advance guard
some distance down the southern Pacific
ocean. The battle ship Oregon, the sister
flll vessels in the navy, has been selected
for this work. Secretary Long to-day tele-
gTaphed orders to her commander, through
the commandant of the Mare Island navy
yard, to leave San F'ranciso and cruise
down the southern coast The Oregon will
report from time to time by cable to the
department, and receive such instructions
as changes in conditions may warrant At
present she is taking on her ammunition
about fifty tons in all, which was unloaded
at the powder station when the ship went
north last fall to have her bilge keels put
AS soon as this work is done she is ex-
pecied 20 sail southwark.
The Fern. laden with supplies for the sIf-
1efihE Cllbans, arrived at Matanzas, Cuba,
from Key West to-day. Captain Cowles
merely reported his arrival to the Navy De-
partnent without making, any mention of
the condition OF affairs at MaIanzas. After
dlscharging his stores there Captain Cowles
viii proceed with his vessel to Sagua and
leave the remainder.
Civil Engineer A. G.. Menoeal has been
detached from League Island navy yard and
ordered to Key West. This is regarded as
significant and as Indicating a purpose on
the part Of the Navy Department to make
Immediate and considerable improvements
at the naval station In Key West For