The evening times. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1895-1902, 1898-04-08

Naval officers on duty in the bureaus
ofthe department in Washington are
clamoring for billets at sea. II is impor-
tant that these bureaus should be ably
administered. but the officers of high
rank in them thirst for military distinc-
tion which can only he gained in battle.
Capt. Crowninshield chief OF the Bu-
reau OF Navigation. who commanded the
Maine up to the time Capt. Sigsbee was
detailed to that billet probably will be
relieved from department duty this week.
He may get one OF the new cruisers now
coming across the Atlantic.
Rear Admiral Walker Cretired) is sug-
gested as his successor, but the admiral
objects. He wants little fighting him
self Capt. Davis. in charge of the Naval
Observatory, is anxious to abandon star
gazing and gaze along the sights OF a
l3-inch gun directed at a Spaniard.
officers of minor rank are equally as
insistent for sea service, and the depart
ment threatens to be crippled for execu-
tive officials if their demands are grant
ed. This patriotic fervor is gratifying to
Secretary Long, but is only what was
expected OF the officers. Reports from
recruiting stations are to the effect thai
enlistment OF seamen is progressing 10
the satisfaction OF the recruiting ofneefs.
The Navy needs machinists for duty in
the engine rooms OF the warships more
than any other class Of men, and these
are being obtained in the West. There
will be no difficulty. il is said. in obtain
ing all that may be required.
Tho Bureau OF Medicine and Surgery Is
overrun with applications from doctors
for appointments as surgeons
Tho Navy appropriation bill carries
provision for twenty-five additional sur
geons. The appointments will be made
after the most rigid examination for
qualifications
sons of Lightning.
New York, April S-Frank w. Hawiey,
vice president of the Cataract Electric
Company and the Erie Canal Traction
Company, has a plan that viii afford to
the Government competent electricians to
oversee the management Of the submarine
mines ia American harbors
Mr.. Hawley says he can get a brigade
of ] eGG men who will not desire pay and
who will skillfuily man the electrical ap-
pliances that are necessary for the safety
OF every big port.
These men" said he yesterday. ARE
capable of handling the switchboards,
and will be ready to operate them. The
ordinary enlisted man has no business at
AN electrical switchboard, and l contend
that an time OF trouble the Government
will need competent men. ] am prepared
TO head such an organization. 1t will be
necessary.
Il nave had communication with those
in authority. as well as those that are
willing TO enlist as privates for the pUr-
pose OF giving their knowledge for the
defense of the flag.
New York harboF may be controlled
by several men, but If these men are in
capacilated arrangements must be made
where one man Can do the work That is
the reason for experienced men being in
command at each station. as necessary
plans can be made whereby any and all
OF these mines may be operated from one
of several points Ny opinion is that at
least ione station can always stand"
Mr.. Hawley yesterday received a COM
municati0n from Secretary of War Al
ger. as follows:
Il have your letter Of April . incIosing
your formal offer to the Government OF
your services. and have referred it with
its recommendation to the chief Of en-
Eineers, who viii give it careful consider
alton.
Mr.. HawIey had offered his services
without pay, to the Government
Coast DefenseS.
An important impetus has been given
to the work of strengthening the coas.
defenses by the arrival today at New
York Of fourteen of the 42-inch Maxim
rapid fire guns recently purchased by the
agents Of the Ordnance Department iD
Europe.
This is the first consignment of a total
number of fOrty-siX which have been OBJ
tanned from abroad. Twenty more rapid
firing guns will arrive in the new cruiser
New Orleans. The final consignment of
twelve rapid firing guns obtained Of Eng
lish manufacturers under releases from
the Brazilian government left England
yesterday. and will probably arrive in
New York in about ten or twelve davs.
Carriages for all the guns were furnish
ed under the contract together with soC
rounds of ammunition for each gun. The