The herald., 1898-03-06

been selected to take the powder to be
brought to stllat port by the Mohican.
turther along to Hongkong. for the ves-
sells of the Asiatic squadron. Whether or
not the ship will be attached to the squad
ron permanently has not yet been deter
mined.
The torpedo boat Winslow, which has
been under repairs at the Norfolk navy
yard, sailed today for Key West to rejoin
the fiotilla.
The rumors that Spain Is buying new
warships led to counter-reports that the
naval authorities here were considering
similar purchases In no official quarter
at the navy department could this be
confirmed, as steps of this character would
necessarily be guarded with the greatest
secrcsy. There is little doubt, however,
that the department is informing itself
fully sas .tg the opportunities of purchas-
ing, should the necessity for more ships
arise. Thus far. there have been no nego-
tiations for ships and no options asked on
particular ships. Quite a number of offers
of ships have been submitted to Secretary
Long by ship-building concerns in this
country and abroad. These have been
docketed and filed. but, beyond an ac-
acknowledgement of the offers. no steps to-
ward purchases have been taken.
Under ordinary Circumstances, the navy
department would require authority from
congress to purchase warships. There is
no law which permits larger exercise of
authority in times of emergency than at
other times. IL is said, however, by the
naval authorities that such emergency
measures as might be required would have
the subsequent approval of congress.
A precedent is cited as to the purchase of
q naval vessel in time Of emergency with
out the assent of congress. While Secre-
tary Chandler was at the head of the navy
department information reached here that
the Greedy Arctic expedition was in peril
Gus condition, and that relief was impera-
tive without a days delay and 1t is now
matter of history that if the relief party
had been "a hours later in reaching Greedy
and his men the latter would have sue
cumbed from starvation. None of the
naval ships at the time was available. The
Bear was offered for sale, however, and
Secretary Chandler closed the contract
for Its purchase stating at the time that If
congress failed to affirm the purchase and
make the appropriation for the purchase
price, he would hold himself personally re-
sponsible to the contractors. The Bear
was successful in it's relief mission. and
congress promptly ratified Mr.. Chandler S
course by appropriating money to pay for
the ship. She is now in the government
service as revenue cutter. on duty in
Alaskan water. 1t is said that the course
of procedure would be followed in case of
emergency at the present time.
WILL BE NO TROUBLE
JACKSONVILLE. Fla. March 5.-Secre-
tary Matthews of the state board of health
says that If any conflict shall arise be-
tween Florida and the federal authorities |
over the enforcement of quarantine on
April 1st it will be due to the federal au- |
thorfties and not to those of this state |
Tho Florida statute provides for the en- |
forcement of quarantine on May lst, but as |
matter OF eXigency the state board of |
health is empowered to pass rules that
shall have the force Of statute law. At
the last meeting. which was held in jan |
uary, upon the advice of Secretary of the |
Treasury Gage, acting upon the suggestion |
of Surgeon-General Wyman. the state |
board of health passed the bill and has |
since instructed its agents at various Flor
ida ports to enforce it.