Evening star., 1898-03-12

| having hurried plans for its fortifcation
| put into effect.
Transfer ormtng the Auxiliary Cruisers
The bureau of construction of the Navy
Department finds itself exceptionally well
prepared for any emergency work that it
| may be called upon to perform in connec-
| ton with the auxiliary cruisers. 1t is due
| to an organization which in ordinary times
| is so arranged that the force can be made
speedily available for emergency demands
| 1t is said that less than an hours work
| would be required in the Office here to COM
piete all the plans for the transformation
of two of the best ships on the Atlantic
into auxiliary cruisers.
The work of reconstruction could be ac-
complisted with like dispatch probably at
| the League Island navy yard. At that
point there is a naval constructor and an
an pie force of draughtsmen.
Work on the battle ship Alabama Is now
in progress there, but there is no present
prospect of completing her. The large force
of men could be withdrawn from the Ala
bania and set at work on the auxiliary
cruisers. 1t is not doubted also that the
Cramps yards would give the government
every facility in the way of workmen at
their disposal.
The same readiness for quick work of
construction exists at Newport News and
at Norfolk. At Newport News there is a
naval constructor, three assistants and
thirty craughtsme1 ready to begin work of
this character az any time. The large
deck at that point gives additional facil-
lty. AT Norfolk the construction depart
Hent has an effective force ready to begin
Wcrk at any time. Thus far the work on
the auxiliary fleet has not begun, but it is
source of satisfaction at the Navy De
pertinent to know that ample facilities are
ready OF, short notice whenever this branch
of work Is required.
Vessels Under Construction.
The latest report of the chief of bureau
of construction of the Navy Department
in regard to the condition of vessels now
under construction shows them to be COM
pleted to the following extent: Battle ships
kearsarge and kentucky. 56 per cent;
illinois, 43 per cent; Alabama 43 per cent,
and Wisconsin, 30 per cent Gunboats-
Princeton, 90 per cent. Torpedo boats
Rodgers, 92 per cent: Rowan, 81 per cent;
Dahlgren, 81 per cent; Craven, So per cent;
Farragut, 81 per cent: Davis, II per cent;
Fox, 60 per cent: Morris, 80 per cent;
Mackenzie, So per cent: Mckee, 62 per
cent; Strngham, II per cent, and Colds
borough, per cent. Submarine torpedo
boat-Plunger, 66 per cent.
Patriots for Revenue.
The War Department officials are an
noyed at communications sent to bidders
for furnishing supplies of various kinds by
various persons, representing themselves to
he managers of commercial newspapers,
and Offering material a SSic eft To ba 6a-
partment if an advertisement is inserted
in the paper. One Of these communications
addressed TO the bidder suggests to him
that the writer could help him in future
contract business because he Is a Washing
ton newspaper man, acquainted with the
chiefs of the bureaus. and with senators
and representatives, and could ask with
good grace certain favors that might be
desired, all Of which he would do If an
advertisement were given for the news
paper. The officials think that contractors
should be warned against the offers of all
such persons, as their claims are absolutely
ridiculous, without the least foundation in
fact, to which no attention whatever should
be paid.
Cruise of the Oregon.
In making preparations for the possibiI-
tiles OF the future, the Navy Department
defense of the Pacific coast. To properly
guard this important seaboard It has been
found necessary to send an advance guard
some distance down the southern Pacific
ocean The battle ship Oregon, the sister
OF the Indiana, and save the Iowa, one Of
the most powerful vessels in the navy,
has been selected for this work. Secretary
Long today telegraphed orders to her COM
mander, through the commandant of the
Mare Island navy yard, to leave San Fran
CISCO and cruise down the southern coast.
The vessel will report from time to time
by cable to the Navy Department and re-
ceive such instructions as the changes in
the conditions may warrant. At present
she is taking on her ammunition, about
fifty tons in ALL which was unloaded at
the powder station when the ship went
north>last fall to have her bilge keels put
in place at the Bremerton naval station
As soon as this work is done she is ex-
pected to sail southwark.
Local Naval Recruiting Station.
The Secretary OF the Navy has directed
that a recruiting station be opened in
Washington, Immediately the special pur-
pose being to secure ordinary seamen and
machinists. Lieut.. Robinson, at present on
duty at the Washington navy yard, will
be in charge of the station, which will open
for business at the yard next Monday
morning.
The naval inspection board has gone
down to Norfolk to examine the gunboat
Machias just returned from the Asiatic
station by way of Suez. These Inspections
are always made on the return of a vessel