Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-03-23
SEEKING THEIR VIEWS
CONTINUED from First Page.)

HuIiiDeT VI war VSSSelS Oh any
class, the Navy Department has had under
consideration the ques ton of building
number of torpedo boats and torpedo boat
destroyers. Investigation has disclosed the
fact that vessels of either class could rot
be built in less than ninety days, but the
exigencies of the case are such that a con-
cirsion has about been reached, 1t is said,
to give American builders contracts for
Eumber of these vessels Only such build
ers. however, as are known to have the
necessary facilities will be intrusted with
the work, which, if the present purpose is
carried into effect, will be pushed forward
with the greatest possible speed. The
number to be constructed has not been de-
coed upon, but it seems likely that con-
tracts will be given for considerable
number of each class.
Names Wreck to BE Abandoned
The Navy Department has practically
arranged for the recall of all United States
naval officers in the Island of Cuba and
the abandonment of the wreck of the ILL
fated battle ship Maine. Since the de-
struction of that vessel on the night of
the 10Th uitimo most of the surviving off,
GERS attached to it have been detained in
havana on business pertaining to the
work of the court of inquiry and the wreck
ing operations In addition to these Off
GERS there have been others detailed for
cuty there at various times in connection
with that work. The tugboat Fern, with
its complement of officers and men, is
new in that harbor. The following named
officers of the Maine have remained con-
stantly on duty in Havana since the fatal
night of the 18th ultimo, and each and all
have rendered valuable service, in COLI
nection with the care Of the wounded in
the hospitals and the recovery of the
bodies of those who went down on the
wreck: Captain c. D. Sigsbee, Lieutenant
Commander Richard Wainwright, Surgeon
l.. G. Heneberger Paymaster Ray, Chap
lain John P. Chadwick. Chief Engineer
Charles P. Howell. Naval Cadets ]. A.
Holden and w T. Cluverus.
Return of Capt. sigsbee.
Secretary Long said this morning, in
answer TO an inquiry on the subject, that
he saw no reason for these officers to re-
main at Havana much longer and the
probability was that he would order them
home in day or two. Captain Sigsbce,
he said, would come to Washington as
soon as convenient, but as yet nothing
has been settled in regard to his future
duty. 1t might be necessary for Lleuten-
c,ai charge of the wrecked vessel to re-
main there short time longer, or at least
until it is finally settled that the wreck
cannot be raised and that there is no pros
pect of the9recovery of any other portions
of the ship or it's equipments 1t might
also be necessary for one of the naval
cadets to remain, but this is not regarded
as probable. The return of Surgeon Hene-
berger and Chaplain Chadwick will depend
upon the question of whether they are able
TO render any further service to the officers
sun IN That country. Although it is not
hnally settled, it is more than probable
that the Fern will return to the United
States as soon as it is determined that
nothing more is to be gained by her pres
cree there. In the event of the abandon
ment of the wreck it is more than likely
that the Navy Department will arrange
for the complete destruction of the wreck
by the use of dynamite or torpedoes. In
its present condition it Is a dangerous OBJ
struction to navigation, and it is not be-
ieved that any opposition will be offered
to it's removal.
Cannot Secure the O'Higgins.
The Navy Department has purchased no
further ships abroad, and the negotiations
are not proceeding in a manner to promise
success. 1t was definitely determined today
that the Chilean battle ship O'Higgins
could not be secured. Commander Brown
son is today in Paris, after having inspect
ed the Brazilian ships now building al La
Sienne. While these might be secured
they are long way from completion, and
&C uld be of little present service. What tie
department wants is ships which can be
commissioned at once.
Secretary Long had an extremely busy
morning. Mr.. Roosevelt and the various
bureau chiefs were with the Secretary for
some time effecting the plans for the
speedy completion OF the old monitors The
bureau of engineering can put in the three
new boilers with little delay. The ord
nance bureau have little to do on the mont
tors owing to the good condition of their
guns. armament, etc. The quota of powder
for their l5-inch guns is already sacked and
can be put aboard in a few hours. Mr..
Long also saw number of public men,
including Senators Proctor and Lodge,
Representative Alexander of Buffalo and
Sherman, and immigration Commissioner
Powderly. 1t is understood that Buffalo
would like the honor of having one of the
new naval vessels named after that city,
and New York members have been quite
active in that direction.
Advices From Mark.
The Developments of the morning for the
moment diverted attention from the report
OF the court of inquiry, which is now on its
way to Washington in charge of Judge Ad-
vocate Mark. In addition to the press
dispatches concerning Mr.. Marks trip,
Secretary Long has received his own Off
cial advices that the officer is on his wav.
The expectation among the Navy De-
partment officials is that Mr.. Mark will
arrive Friday morning, although his train
may reach here Thursday night. There are
no plans for meeting him or for any for
malities on his arrival. After delivering
the report Mr.. Mark will return to his
post on the Vermont, at New York I'M
less the court of inquiry has further in
vestigation to make, which is not at all
likely.
FOrtifyinE TOrtugas.
The outcome of the conferences which
have been in progress between Secretary
Alger and his subordinates for the past
few days, ending with that of this morn
ing in regard to Dry Tortugas, was the
determination to make improvements at