The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1898-03-09

WASHINGTON, March s.-There was a
very strong suggestion of the state OF af-
fairs that might exist in time OF actual
war in the busy scenes presented at the
navy and war departments today. There
was an almost unbroken succession OF con-
ferences OF officers and officials of various
degrees. and throughout both branches of
the war establishment the greatest act!v-
ity was exhibited.
Secretary Long was especially busy. Be-
fore 70 O'Clock he was obliged to retire 10
his private office. and deny himself TO call
ers in order TO attend a conference rela-
/ tive to preparations for putting the navy
In the highest state Of efficiency. He
found time during the progress OF the con-
ference to talk a moment with Mr.. Lane.
who has submitted to the department pro-
posals for the sale of certain warships
now building in Europe at private ship
yards. What passed between them is not
known. but Mr.. Lane FASTENED immedi-
ately to the cable office at the conclusion
rectly with his principals in Europe.
Knowiedge of Foreian Ships.
The secretary made II plain to the legis-
lators at the conference that the depart
ment Is very much better prepared than
has been supposed In the matter Of accu-
rate information Of the ship building in
progress in European shipyards. But the
ha 7n.A
seeks to inform itself goes beyond this and
looks 10 securing information as to what
ships can be purchased Immediately. 1t
was shown that very many more difficult
ties exist than the public is aware OF in
the requirement Of such property as war
ships Most of these craft under con-
struction are being built under special
orders for various governments. and only
a few. and those perhaps not Of the most
desirable type. are in the builders hands
in such shape that they can be at once
disposed OF. In the case of some of the
European powers under a strong mon
archica, form Of government. It is possible
for permission 20 be given at once for the
sale of a ship 10 another nation. but In
the case of more complex forms Of gov-
ernment. such as those that exist in the
South American republics. which have
ordered ships now under construction in
Europe. It IS feared that grave const.tu-
tioual and legal objections exist 70 the
transfer Of the rights of these countries
in thclr ships to the United States. neces-
stating recourse 10 the legislative branch
es OF Their gqyernments for authorization.
This would he . tIme-consum.ng process
that could De scarcely entertained N our
case.
Commander Brovnson's Mission.
II IS particularly with a v.ew 10 acquir-
ing information or tbis poin1--that is. the
possibility Of buying ships-that Com
mander B-ownson has been selected 10 90
10 Europe. lie Is an officer Of great dis
creaon and his experience on the board
Of inspection. which Is charged with the
duty az thoroughly examining all ships
built for the navy. has thoroughly fama-
iarizod him w.:h ali II the details of the
various types CT warships. battleshlps. ar
mared cruisers, protected cruisers monl-
tors ana torpedo boats. Duyia- the con-
ference this morning he vas made funy
acquainted with the views of the secre-
taTy and his advisers as 10 TIE proper
score of his mission. ara he Will lose no
time IN starting fer Europe.
After the conference he had long in
terview wI;h Assistant Secretary Day. Of
The state department. ard arranged 20
obtain letters 70 United States am1assa-