The herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1893-1900, 1898-04-01
EMERGENCY MEASURES
DIVIDE ATTENTION WITH PLAN
OF CAMPAIGN
MEN WORKING NIGHT AND DAY
Making Improvised Warships Ready
for Service-Whole American
Fleet Headed for Key West
Associated Press Special Wire


WASHINGTON. March S1.-Apparently
there was no cessation today of the eN'
traordinary activity which has prevaiied
at the navy department during the pa5r
month. Now that many of the emergency
preparations are well under way, more at
tention is to be paid to the broader ques-
ton of a plan of campaign in the event OK
war. Under this head comes the establish-
ment of a depot to be used as a base OF
supplies and on this matter the commer-
cial interests of the country are making
themselves heard.
Senator McTInery and Representative
Meyer, Ogden and Davey of Louisiana
called upon Secretary Long today and sup
plemented the representations of mer-
chants who were here last week urging the
selection of New Orleans as base of sup-
plies. They said the city, being situat
at some distance from the Gulf was rea-
sonably safe from attack by a fleet, and
being a railroad center and situated on the
Mississippi river, grain and other supplies
could be reshipped there in great abun-
dance. The secretary did not commit him.
self.
The delegation also spoke to the secre-
tary in regard to the defense Of the city
of New Orleans, but the secretary ex-
pressed the opinion that with formidable
| fleet in the gulf and such Notifications as
are already in existence, the city was well
protected.
| The work incident to the transformation
of the yachts and tugs recently purchased
for the navy department so as to make
them practicable for naval purposes Is now
we'll under way. The alterations and
changes necessary are being rushed with
all possible speed and orders have been is.
sued to employ sufficient number Of men
to work night and day, so that no time will
be lost. In the tugs, particularly, there
are numerous changes necessary for the
comfort of the men who will man them.
The yachts, on the other hand are in bet
ter shape, and less work will be required
than on the tugs. They will be given O belt
of armor as a means Of protection for por-
tions which are most vulnerable to the en-
emy's fire. So far the department has
purchased five yachts and eight tugs for
the auxiliary navy.
Sir Julian Pauncefote, the British am
bassador, called on Assistant Secretary
Roosevelt at the navy department this af-
ternoon and left his card for Captain Sigs-
bee, congratulating that officer on his es-
cape and his bearing throughout his recent
thrilling experiences in the harbor Of Ha-
vana.
There was nothing specially significant In
the movement Of naval vessels reported
to the navy department today. The gum
boat Wilmington arrived at Jacksonville
yesterday on her way to New York for
repairs.
The torpedo boat Somers, purchased in
| CernanU arrived n Pi11an UpSter6nv n
her way to the United States. The gum
boat Wheeling has left Port Angeles for
Seattle. The cruiser Columbia and the rev.
enue cutter Morrill, arrived at Norfolk to-
day. The Columbia is attached to the fly
| ing squadron and is in complete readiness
for any service it may be called upon to
perform. Her sister ship, the Minneapolis.
now fitting out at League island, is ex-
pected to join the squadron at Hampton
Roads in day or two.
The gunboat Marietta of the Pacific
squadron arrived at Callao today. Although
not SO admitted, it is generally understood
that she is bound for Key West. The same
| is true of the battleship Oregon, which Is
expected to arrive at Callao this week.
| These vessels have been informed of the
presence of the Spanish torpedo boat Ten
! d.
and have been warned to he on their guard
against her while in those waters.
| THE MILITARY ARM
| The military information division of the
war department has made public a table
bearing on the strength of the militia in
the United States in 1897. 1t also gives data
as to the number of men liable for military
duty, information in regard to appropria-
tions, military officers, encampments and
mobilization. This table is compiled from
the reports made to the department by
army officers detailed for duty with the
militia of the states. The authorized
strength of the military of the entire coun-
try (Which, however, includes several
states where this strength is not limited
particularly is 1S6,S4S, while the aggregate
actual strength is 1880, made up as fol-
| lows
| Infantry. 100,179
Artillery, 5055.
| Cavalry, 1878.
! Special troops, 2210.
| Generals and staff officers, S7S.
| Non-commissioned staff officers 400.
| The total number of men liable to mill.
tary duty in the country is 1O,37S11S.
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