New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-08-13
MR.. LONG PRAISES THE NAVY
SECRETARY TELLS TO WHAT SUCCESS IN
IRY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE ]

BY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE
Boston. Mass Aug. 12.-John d. Long. Secre-
tary OF the Navy. arrived at his home in Hing
ham at o'clock this morning. and gave an in
terview to The Tribune correspondent.
I'VE preparing to begin the work Of dis
mantling and reducing expenses now that the
war is over" said Secretary Long. and that of,
course means that there is good deal Of work
ahead OF the Navy Department before the nor
NAL condition Is reached"
In speaking Of the success OF the Navy in get
ting its vessels ready. increasing It's strength
and taking care OF It's sailors. Mr.. Long said:
First. we had an excellent system and or
ganzation. Each bureau-and there is one bu-
for every phase Of Naval works. thor
oughly adapted to its work. At the beginning
OF the war each bureau chief was told that I
would back him in every way with money and
power. but that he to be held In strict per-
sonal responsibility for the conduct of his bu
rcau. Then these bureau chiefs are men Of the
highest capacity and training. and too much
cannot be said in praise OF the way in which
they have done their work. There has hardly
been a mistake or what I might call a single
failure in preparing for any emergency that has
arisen.
The bureau chiefs exhibited a good deal ~
foresight in getting ready beforehand. The
hospital ship Solace will he in Boston in week
or two. and want the people Of Boston to look
at that vessel as a type Of what has been done
in this way
A FINE BODY OF OFFICERS.
Then too. there could not have been finer
body OF officers. The spirit that has animated
them in the discharge OF their duties has been
simply ideal They have held life health, per-
sonal and domestic consideration. as nothing
In the light Of their duty. That Is what call
patriotism. To these things they have added
brains and II that does not make full eX-
PLANTATION OF their success I don't know what
does
OF our naval strength in the future. compared
with England. France Russia and other Eu-
ropean Powers Mr.. Long said
There will be a natural growth Of our naval
power commensurate with our territorial eH-
mansion. II is doubtful. however. II we should
develop II as England does. because from our
geographical position there is not the same
necessity"
In reference to the Sampson Schey incident
the Secretary talked briefly and explained one
point which was apparently left in doubt IN MS
letter In regard to Admiral Sampson
Il think a mistake is made In supposng tnat
in time OF war. with war in prospect II"
said Officers are 10 be selected according TO
I heir seniority in rark. II that were the case
should not want to take the responsibility OF
being Secretary Of the Navy. II Is not senlorlt!
that should control at such times. but the ques-
ton 81 who under all the circumstances. at the
time and place is regarded the httest man
For instance. Dewey appointed 10 the com
mand 81 the Asiatic squadron last December
when clouds gathering. although there
were a dozen officers his senior. one or two or
whom desired that place. Ana yet nave "Ner
heard any say that there was any injustice !
done or any mistake made In that selection.
AS TO CONGRESS ELECTIONS.
Mr. Long in discussing the condition OF poll |
tics in the country. had this to say OF the ques-
tions on which, in his judgment. Congress cleo /
tons would turn this fall
II think that the old sectional feeling Is ahso-
lutely and utterly wiped out. The tariff and ,
currency questions arc utterly ovcrshadowod ~ !
tn. tremendous rapidity with which recent I'm |
portant events have followed one another tn" !
success OF the Administration and It's ability ~ /
successfully cope with large questions has, he |
ieve. been universally recognized President
Mckinley has been confronted with the graNcst |
problems and questions Of the destiny OF the |
Republic
Il dort think II is going to be good time for
contests as Thomas u Reed expressed II In his
district. and | believe that to be true OF other
districts throughout the country. There Is gen
rrally feeling In favor Of helping the Admin
stration instead 81 lighting IT Then too. the
war being over. there Is an intense readiness Tor
a renewal Of PHOSPHORUS conditions. ! expect
10 SEQ the renewal OF indus..y and enterprises
hat Will he Of profit 10 capital ard ~ labor
alike"
Asked abou, the report that he might be a
to succeed Mr. Lodge IN the Senate.
Mr. Long said.
Il know nothing Of II. and 1t isn't so. You
nay say that ! am candidat" to get out OF
politics. not In.