The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-05-01
NAVY MAY WANT THE SHIPS.
SAVANNAH VESSELS MAY YET BE
PURCHASED BY GOVERNMENT.

PURCHASED BY GOVERNMENT.
President Conner Gone North on an
important Mission-He Declined to
Sny whether His Visit Was in Con-
nectiOn With a Possible Sale of the
ships-Had Received No Telegram
Calling Him to Wnshin gton-Gov-
eminent May Want the Vessels as
Transports or Auxiliary Cruisers.
President H. M. Conner of the Central
of Georgia Railway and Ocean Steam
sbin company leaves this morning for
tbe North. 1t is said that he goes for the
nurpose of consulting with the naval au-
tboriaes upon the purchase or lease of the
vsssels of the Ocean Steamship Com
pany.
There is good reason to believe that the
Government desires some of these YES
sells. probably the Kansas City and the
civ Of Augusta, for use as auxiliary
cruisers or transports. The navy depart
rept has had these vessels under consid-
Grafton for some time and their names
have appeared in every list which has
been published giving the names of YES
sells the purchase of which are under con-
sheraton,
Mr. Conner was seen last night In re-
ference 10 the report. Il am going to
New York tomorrow" he said, upon
business of the railway company and in
cidentaily upon business relating to my
own affairs. have received no telegram
calling me to consult with the naval au-
thorities at Washington"
I'VE have no more vessels than we need
at present" said Mr.. Conner, in answer
to a question if it would not be desirable
for the company 10 dispose of Its vessels
on account of the present state hostilities
and the possibility Of capture. I'm fact,
We could use one or two more very nice
ly."
Mr. Conner said that the vessels of the
steamship company had been among
those mentioned as being in view by the
government some time since, but the gov
eminent authorities appeared to have
turned their attention elsewhere.
IF any effort was being made by the
government to buy or lease the vessels
YOU would know 1t would you not?" Mr..
Conner was asked.
II don't know that I would, he replied.
You had the Kansas City sold some time
since and l knew nothing about it,
Mr.. Conner said that while he was in New
York there would probably be meeting
of the directors of the Peace River Phos-
phate Mining Company, in which he is
largely interested. The war has seriously
interfered with the business of the com
pany which ships something like 100000
tons of phosphate annually. All shipments
are ma by vessels which must come
around the Southern end of Florida, and
up the coast and considerable difficulty
has been experienced in getting tonnage.
1t may be that the company will have to
close down its works.
The Kansas City, the City of Birming-
ham and the City of Augusta are the three
Savannah liners which have been men
toned as likely to be called into service as
auxiliary cruisers. The Ocean Steamship
Company's vessels are said to be the swift
est on the coast and they could make just
as good time with an equipment of guns
and bluejackets aboard as they do in their
trips between Savannah and New York.
The Kansas City was one of ten vessels
selected by the government board on aux
iliary cruisers, when it was called upon re-
Gently to supply the names of ten vessels
which might be purchased Immediately to
be converted into auxiliary cruisers. This
probably accounts for the report current
some time since that the Kansas City had
been sold to the government for this pur-
pose.
In a list Of vessels compiled by the board
the early part of this month of steam
ships which might be converted into auxiI-
larry cruisers on short notice the Kansas
City, City of Augusta and City of Biz
mingham and also the Plant steamship La
Grande Duchesse were included. The arm
ament which would be placed on each of
the Savannah liners in such case was stat
ed to six 5-inch guns, six 6-pounders and
four 1-pounders. For the La Grande
Duchesse the armament was stated as
eight 6-inch guns. six 6-pounders and four
1-pounders.
If converted to such purpose these YES
sells would, of course, not be expected TO
contend with the enemys battleships or
protected cruisers. For unarmored cruis-
eTs though, it is said they would be a
good match. Their speed would enable
them to keep out of the way of the lire
OF battleships. They would prey upon the
enemys commerce and act as scout boats
lor the fleet to which they were attached.
Inc government might prefer, however, to
use them as transports for handling
troops. 1t may be that the government
uesires to lease the Savannah boats for
use IN transporting troops to Cuba.