The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-03-06

determined. The torpedo boat Winslow.
which has been under repair at the Nor
folk Navy Yard. sailed to-day for Key
West TO join the hotilla.
PURCHASE OF SHIPS.
The continued reports thai Spain IS
buying new ships led 10 counter-reports
that the naval authorities here were con-
sidcrlng similar purchases. tn no Official
quarter a. the Navy Department could
this be confirmed as steps OF this char
acter necessarily would be guarded with
the greatest secrecy There is little
doubt, however. that the Department IS
informing itself fully as to the opporiu-
mites ior purchases should the necessity
for more ships arise.
Thus far there have been no negotia-
tiOns for ships and no options asked on
particular ships. quite a number OF Of
fers OF ships have been submitted 10
Secretary Long by shipbuilding concerns
In this country and abroad These have
been docketed and filed by the Depart
ment, but after the acknowledgement OF
the offers no steps have been taken.
Under ordinary circumstances the Navy
Department would require authority from
Congress to purchase warships There ~
no law which permits a larger exercise
Of authority in this emergency than at
other times. 70 IS understood, however
that tho Navy authorities feel that IN
such am emergency such measures "a
might De required would have the approy-
al OF Congress. such q precedent is cited
as TO the purchase of q naval vessel IN
time of emergency without the assent OF
Congress.
PURCHASE or THE BEAR.
While Secretary Chandler was at tfe
head of the Navy Department iniorma-
ton reached here That the Grcely Arctic
expedition was in n pculous condition
and that relief was imperative without "A
days delay. and So SIS now matter of
history that if the relief party had been
twonty-four hours later m reaching Gree.
icy and his men the lated would have
succumbed from starvation. None ol the
naval ships. at the time were available.
Tho Bear was offered for sale. however
and Secretary Chandler closed the cou-
tract for its purchase stating at the
time that if Congress failed to ratiiy the
purchase and make the appropriation ne
ccssary for tine purchase price Doc wouia
hold himself personally responsible 10 ihe
contractors. The Bear was succcssiul ln
its relief mission and Congress promptly
ratified Mr. Cnandlers course by appro-
prating for The ship.
10 IS said that the same course OF pro-
codure would be followed in case Of emer-
gency 40 the present time.
DUE TO THE GOVERNMENT
JACKSONVILLE FLA March Sec.
rotary Matthews Of The state Board or
Healh says that If amy coniict shali
arise between FLORIDA and the FEDERAL
authorities Over the enforcement of quar-
antinc on Apiil lst. % VIII De due 10 the
Federal authorities and not TO those oi
This Satc
The Flciida state law provides for the
enforcement of Quar ntnc ON May ISL
but as a mat.,r of eXigeEcy The state
Board of Health is empowered TO pass
rules chat shall have the force OF statute
laws. At the last meeting which was held
i'm January upon the advice of Secretary
OF the Treasury Gage. acting rron the
suggestion Of SuTge0n-Geueral Wyman'
the state Roard Of Health passed the
April lst rule and has since instructed It's
agents at various Florida ports to enforce
it.
Sureeon-General Wyman made the sug-
eestion under the opinion that danger
from infection by yellow-feyer should be
guarded against earlier this year than
last.
The Governor Of Florida has no jurisdlc
tion over the State Board of Health FUR
ther than to call il together.
This may be done if the circumstances
warrant and will probably be done If the
President so requests. for this state and
it's officials have always displayed q lib-
cral acquicscencc i'm Federal requests.
especially I'm a matter Of extraordinary
cXigency
no DANGER
Governor BloXham .wh) was seen AZ
..t..t. .tI hnF In
heard nothing from President Mckinley
or other Washington officials relative to
abrogating restrictions of State quaran-
tine law. which goes into effect April lst,
so far as it applies 10 naval vessels.
lie said that should he receive such n
request he would az once confer with The
state Health authorities.
lie declined TO anticipate what such ac-
ton would be- but there is no possibility
Of conflict between the United States and
Florida officials