The Independent. [volume] (Honolulu, H.I.) 1895-1905, 1898-06-17
THE ALAMEDA.


Her Removal W i'll Ruin the Aus
tralian Trade-Will be Required
as One of the Transports to the
Philippine Islsnds-The zealan-
dia is Ready-Work on the China
and Colon Progressing Rapidly
and Both Ships Now Coaling.
The Government has its official
eye on the steamer Alameda as a
transport ship to convey troops
from this port to Manila. The
measurements Of the vessel are in
the hands OF the authorities at
Washington, and it is known just
what the steamer can do. She is
very fast and has excellent and
ample passenger accommodations.
Some time ago the Government
wired John d. Spreckels that they
would like to have the steamer and
for him to name a charter price.
Mr., Spreckels did not name
price, but answered saying that his
was the only American line in the
Australian trade, and that to take
off one of the steamers would severe
ly cripple, if not ruin, his business.
No answer was received to this,
and as the days went by Mr.. Spreck-
els became anxious. He telegraphed
yesterday to Washington, asking il
it was the intention Of the Govern
ment to seize the Alameda. If so he
desired timely warning to enable
him to make other arrangements.
The intention Of the Government
AS understood here is not to seize
vessels, if the number of transports
wanted can be obtained. While the
transports which have been chart
cred are being prepared for the trip
the Government agents are looking
after other available craft.
The steamer Valencia has been or
dered from the Sound to San Fran
cisco, and upon her arrival here she
will be inspected. If she passes
muster she will be chartered. The
Valencia is owned by the Pacific
Steam Whaling Company, and dur
ing the winter months piled between
this port, Seattle and Copper river.
Her owners have named price to
the Government which will prob
ably be accepted if the steamer is
satisfactory.
The Morgan City is still in port
and her fate in doubt. Negotiations
have been going on between the
Government and her owners. She
was to leave for Alaska in a few
days, but her passengers can be
transferred TO some other vessel
without difficulty. The only hitch
in the arrangements as far as can be
learned is the question OF price.
The Government thinks the owners
want too much money.
The Zealandia is the first OF the
transport ships ready for sea. The
work Of fitting her up for the sol
diers was finished last night, and
Depot Quartermaster, Major Long,
will commence the work of putting
in stores to-day or tomorrow. This
work will occupy couple OF days
at least, and by Tuesday morning
everything will be in readiness for
the reception of the troops.
The steamer Centennial arrived
from Puget Sound yesterday morn
ing and will dock at Folsom street
wharf this morning, She will then
be inspected by Major Long and
afterward by a medical board Of
army officers. Captain Whitney
stated yesterday that his vessel was
ready to receive stores and troops at
a moments notice. All the hunks
were put up before the steamer left
the Sound, The owners of the Cen
tennial put in hunks enough to
carry the number of men they con-
sidered the steamer could carry.
When the medical board has passed
on the vessels some OF these hunks
may be ordered torn down.