Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-10-20
THE navy IN THE WAR.
Secretary Long Enthusiastic Over
Accomplishments Of the Depart
ment Over Which He Presides.
ARMY RATIoAs FOR FLOOD SUFFERERS.
The Government VIII Assist Those Who
Are in Need OF the Bare Necessities of
Life In the Flooded Districts OF Georgia
The United States Marines Services In
CuhA Praised.

Washington, Oct 10 Secretary
Long consente to be interviewed yes
terday for the first time on the part
the navy took in the war with Spain.
The secretary is full of enthusiasm for
the great accomplishment during the
war by the department over which he
presides. He believes that the result
of the late war will have a
tendency to discourage war in
the future. He is not jingo-
He is not believer in a large and
useless navy. but he says the navy
will continue to develop its strength.
The secretary commends Admiral
Dewey for his great ability as naval
commander and his diplomacy in, deal
ing with the issues that followed the
destruction of the Spanish fleet in
Manila bay. The secretary says:
Admiral Dewey has done exceptionally
good work, not only naval commander.
but representative of the American gov
eminent. and have doubt congress will
advance him to the highest rank. The success
full operation of the IVY in the war with Spain
was not only glorious. but was to be expected
in view of the fact that every possible prepara-
ton had been made to insure its success There
could not have been better officers
and men. too much be
said in their praise. The loss was
marvelouSly small, whether from battle or
disease. The sick list is very limited. and the
officers and of the different ships are.
generally speaking. in good condition now
as before the war began. have no doubt that
the navy will be increased from time to time
The last congress authorized a large number
of ships. for which contracts have been made
The battleship is perhaps the best fighting
machine; the armored cruiser is faster, but
both necessary.
Rarions for Flood Sufferers.
Washington, Oct 16.-Government
aid in the shape of army rations will
be given to the sufferers from the re-
cent floods in Georgia. who are in need
of the barest necessities of life. These
applications for assistance came to the
war department from the secretary of
state of Georgia and Congressman
Livingston. Secretary Alger referred
the matter to the president recon-
mending favorable action, and the
former suggested that a conference
be had with the officials of the
department of justice before anything
was done. This was held this morn
ing and Solicitor General Richards,
who is acting attorney general, holds
that while there is no direct statutory
authority for extending such relief,
there is no statutory prohi bi ton, and
given assistance in such emergencies
as the present. he thought that the
executive power generally would au-
thorize the relief asked for.
The Marines Services in Cuba.
Washington, Oct 16.,-In his annual
report to the secretary of the navy,
Col. Haywood, commandant of ma
rines finds an opportunity to give a
brief history of the splendid achieve
ment of the marine battalion which.
under the command of Lieut.. Col.
Hun tington. constituted the advance
guard of the American attacking force
on Cuba. landing at Guantanamo and
holding it till after Santiagos sur
render. The colonel command
ant speaks modestly of this
achievement. contenting himself
with the statement that the hold
ing of the position at Guantanamo
was of the utmost Importance to the
navy as it was the only harbor where
the vessels could seek shelter during
the hurricane season To supply de-
tails he appends the report of Lieut..
Col. Huntington, dealing with tina;
exploit of the marine corps.