The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1898-03-12

Washington, March fs.-Hoping for
the best and preparing for the worst
about represents the situation in the war
and navy departments. The officials
still profess confidence that there is to
be peaceful outcome Of the threaten
ing difficulties, but meanwhile prepare
with serenity to meet their duty II events
should shape themselves otherwise.
The most important developments OF
Friday were the decision Of the house
naval committee to place in the appro-
priation bill a provision for three battle
ships and conclusion on the part of
the secretary of war TO issue an order
creating q new military department.
including within it's confines that part
OF the country which would be in all
likelihood nearest to the field Of hostili-
ties in case 1t should come to that. The
present department Of Texas is abolished
by the order. and there is created the de-
partment Of the south. General Graham,
at present commander of the depart
ment OF Texas, Will command the new
department which Will include the
states of South Carolina, Georgia, Flor
ida, Alabama. Mississippi. Louisiana and
Texas All OF these states save the last
are at present attached to the depart
ment OF the east under command OF
General Merritt OF New York. 1t Is said
at the department that General Merritt
is fully compensated for the strength
of the command which passes away from
him by the addition 10 his forces of the
two regiments of artillery now recruit
ing Headquarters OF the new depart
iment OF, the south will he at Atlanta,
chosen because Of it's strategical value,
from It's excellent railroad connections.
For the first time officials of the war
department admit that they are strain
Ing every nerve to improve that part OF
the defenses OF the country confided TO
their care. The president and Secretary
Alger have Empowered General Flagler
chief of ordnance, TO give orders without
limit for the purchase OF war material
Flagler has instructed every concern
capable OF supplying war material. such
as rapid-fire guns. shot, shell and am
munition, TO go TO work at full capacity.
The navy department has reason TO
believe that IL has secured the Amazonas
and her sister ship now building i'm Eng
land for Brazil. IL was stated at a
cabinet meeting yesterday by Secretary
long that the naval attache at London,
Lieutenant Colwell. had almost COM
pleted negotiations for the purchase.
Most OF the time OF the cabinet meet
ing was taken up in the discussion OF
measures which have been put into op-
Grafton for the acquisition OF naval
vessels. one OF the members said after
the meeting: 1T is not possible at this
time To say just how many ships i'm all
the government will be able 20 secure
Ii has options on number that have
been offered but nothing is likely TO be
definitely accomplished in the way of
acquiring them until an examination IL
made. into their condition, for which
purpose naval officer has been dis
patched abroad. We do not want n lot OF
vessels that other nations contracted to
be built and nov hnd are not up TO ex-
pectations. The fact Is notorious that
there are not n great many really good
vessels % he had. but 7 should not b.
surprised IN we were able TO get al least
n half dozen formidable ones The ssO,-
0Oo. 900 appropriated for war prepara-
tions will BE- expended in this country