The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1898-03-17
NEW BATTLESHIPS
PROVISION For Three In The Naval
AnnrOnria tior, NH

Provision For Three In The Naval
Appropriation Bill.
washington, March 13.-Hoping for
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
OF the present threatening difficulties,
but meanwhile prepare with serenity
to get their duty if events should
shape themselves otherwise. The
most important and significant de-
veloI ments of the day were the decis-
ion Of the house naval committee to
place in the naval appropriation bill a
provision for three new battleships,
and conclusion on the part of the
secretary of war to issue an order Gre
ating a new military department in
Guiding within it's confines that part
of the country which would be in all
likelihood nearest to the field of hos
Titles in case is should come to that
The order will create a commotion in
the south. The present department of
Texas is abolished and the headquar-
tiers, Which have been at San Antonio,
rex, Tor SO many years, are aban-
doned. In place of the place of the
old department is created a new one,
the department of the South. Gen.
Grahani, at present commander of the
department Of Texas, will command
The New Department.
This department will include the
States of South Carolina, Georgia.
Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louis
lana and Texas: All of these states.
save the last, are at present attached
to the department of the East under
command of Gen. Merritt of New
York. Headquarters of the new de-
partment will be at Atlanta, Ga.
chosen because of it's fine strategic
value from it's excellent railroad con-
nections.
1t is without question the most un-
usual mark Of confidence in an execr-
tive officer to empower him to. give
orders without limit for the purchase
OF war material, yet this is what the
president and Secretary Alger have
done in the case Of Gen. Flagler, chief
OF ordnance, and that officer has not
GtiONA any ulSpOSlLlOu TO Sl1rk this
large responsibility, but mas Instructed
every concern capable of supplying
war material, such as rapid-fire guns,
shot, shell and ammunition, to 20 to
work at full capacity. w.,
The navy department has now rea-
sons to believe that it has secured
the two warships, Amazonas and her
sister ship now building in England
for Brazil. It was stated at cabinet
meeting by Secretary Long that the
naval atIache at London, Lieut.. Col
well 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 word
from the court of inquiry according to
the statement Of Secretary Long, who
says that he has received nothing
whatever from the court itself or from
Judge Advocate Mark.
In anticipation of rupture between
the United States and Spain many
naval officers on the retired list have
notified the secretary of the navy Of
their willingness and readiness to
perform any duty in the line of their
profession that he may deem suitable
/ for them. There seems to be consid-
! erable misapprehension on the part OF.
the general public as to the availabil-