The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-03-12
DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH.
Changes i'm the Ar1ny--Economy in In
pcnditurc of Special Appropriation

WASHINGTON. March 11.-Hoping for
and expecting the best and prepared for
the worst, about represents the situation
IN the War and Navy Departments these
days The officials still profess confidence
that there IS TO be "a peaceful outcome II
the present threatening difficulties, but
meanwhile preparing with serenity 10
meet their duty il events should shape
themselves otherwise.
The most important and significant de-
velopment of the day We're the decision
of the House Naval Committee 20 place
I'm the naval appropriation bin a pro-
vision for three new battleships and a
conclusion on the part Of the Secretary
of War TO issue an order creating a new
Military Department including within
its confines that part of the country
which would bc in AN likelihood nearest
10 the field of hostilties IN case it should
come to that.
THE NEW DEPARTMENT.
The order will create "a commotion IN
the South. The present department Of
Texas is abolished and the headquarters
which had been at San Antonio, Tex, for
so many years, are abandoned.
In place Of the old department Is Great
ed q new one the department OF the
South General Graham, at present
commandsr of the Department Of Texas
will command the new department. This
department viii include the States Of
South Carolina, Georgia. Florida. Alaba-
ma. Mississippi. Louisiana end Texas. All
of these States savl the last are at pres
ont attached to the department Of the
east, under command OF General Merritt
of New York.
II is said at the department that Cen
4 aH...
strength Of the command which passes
away from him by the adoption to his
forces OF the two regiments OF artillery
now recruiting. Headquarters Of the new
department OF the South Will be at At
lanta. ga, chosen because of it's fine
strategical value, from its excellent rail-
road connections. Al present the govern
mont has no accommodations In Atlanta
for the headquarters of the department
so il viii be obliged TO hire the most
available buildings.
General Wilson chief OF engineers, who
has been IN Florida. is expected back to-
morrow, TO report TO Secretary Alger
upon the progress OF the fertilization
work in that section Of the country, and
especially as 10 the defence of the Tor
tugas.
For the first time to-day the officials
OF the War Department admitted that
they were straining every nerve 10 inn
prove that part OF the defences Of the
country conhded To their care.
It is without question the mos. unusual
mark OF confidence In an executive oih-
Ger 10 empower him TO give orders with
out limit for the purchase of war mater
ial, yet this is what the President and
Secretary Alger have done In the case OF
General Flaeler. chief Of ordnance, and
no Ia ShnNFn QIEnOEft1nn
to shirk this large responsibility, but
has instructed every concern capable of
supplying war material. such as rapid-fre
guns. shot. shell and ammunition, TO 80
to work at full capacity.
SECURED TWO SHIPS.
The Navy Department has now reason
10 believe that IL has secured the two
warshlps Amazonas and her sister ship,
now building IN England for Brazil. 1t
was stated at the Cabinet meeting to-
day by Secretary Long that the naval
attache at London. Lieutenant colwell
had almost completed the negotiations
for the sale. So far. however, the final
notification from him that his Offer has
been accepted has not yet reached the
Navy Department.
The day passed again without wcrd
from the court of Inquiry. according 10
the statement of Secretary Long who
SAYS that he has received nothing what
ever from the court itself or from Judge
Advocate Mark, regardless Of the pub
lCations 10 the contrary.
ECONOMY.
IL Secretary has determined that
thcro shall be no waSteful extravaganza
in bis Department in ths expenditure of
thc funds so generously provided by Con-
cross and 10 this end be has addte essed