The record-union., 1898-03-19
MAY Not be Made Public Be-
fore Middle of Next Week.
Great Activity Continues in Naval
and War Departments.
The Stars and Stripes Rusted Over the
Cruiser AnnazonaS. LiEutanant-Com
mander COWeII Taking
Formal Charge.

WASHINGTON, March 1S,-An air
of suspense was noticeable in the Navy
Department to-day, due to the ap
proach of the time for the delivery of
the report of the court of inquiry. 1t
is not known just when the document
will come to Washington, and, in view
of the reports of the determination of
outside parties to obtain possession of
ii before the department receives the
report, the officials, if they know, will
not say how the papers are to be
brought TO Washington. All that is
has suggested that the report be made
as soon as possible, and in consequence
it is expected to reach this city in the
course of two or three days The Cabi-
net to-day talked over the natter and
the time stated was the general opin
ion of the members when they heard
all that Secretary Long had to report
on the subject. There is an impression
that Lieutenant Commander Mark viii
bring the document though it is within
Admiral Sicard's power to choose any
other officer
A Cabinet officer expressed the belief
that the report will require careful con-
siderarion on the part of the President
ard his Cabinet before given to the
public, which would seem to postpone
publication to some time about the
middle of next week, although nothing
is certain on that point.
The new naval policy embodied in
the creation of another squadron to
rendezvous at Hampton Roads was
also discussed at the Cabinet meeting
at length to-day, and received unani-
nous approval
The San Francisco reported her ar
rival from Lisbon at Gravesend to-day
Under his orders, the commander Will
divide his crew with the Amazonas. and
viii sail at the earliest possible mo-
ment for the United States, conveying
the new ship.
Beyond the Amazonas, her sister ship
the Abreuall, and the Mayfiower. no
purchase of ships have been made by
the Navy Department. A number of
fleet steam yachts owned in the United
States are being offered to the depart
ment, and it is probable that some of
these will be purchased. Secretary
Long takes the view that falling to Sc
cure the torpedo boat destroyers he
wants, the best plan is for him to equip
some of these speedy boats with tor
pedo tubes and light batteries and i'm
provise torpedo boats.
The Navy Department is convinced
that the Spanish Government has not
acquired possession of the Verez. the
Italian armored cruiser. 1t would not,
however, be a matter OF deep concern
if the report We're true. The depart
ment itself had the vessel in mind as a
possible acquisition, but abandoned the
idea upon learning that she could not
be made ready for service in less than
three OF four months. which practically
put her out of consideration as an
emergency purchase.
The gunboat Newport reported her
arrival to the Navy Department from
Greytown She viii bring back to the
United States the Nicaragua Canal
Commission, and then will be attached
at once to the North Atlantic squadron.
Some idea of the activity prevailing
in naval circles is given by the state
,,,,,,+ .tat tho ,1ox-rou oF 49, o,,,,,4,.,,,
ton department, only one of several
departments in the Mare Island navy
yard. for March was $4,000. This
great expenditure per month. it is said,
was not equaled during the late war.
1t is said to be the purpose of the
President and his advisers TO keep sep
arate and distinct account Of eli funds
expended from the S50,000,CJn emer-
gency appropriation made by Congress
for the national defense. In accordance
with this intention. a separate form OF
requisition has been prepared and al
amounts allotted from the fund are
made up on the direct order signed 10y
the President himself. The President
wants to report to Congress just how
every cent OF this money is spent, said
a member Of the Cabinet to-day. and
for this reason is adopting the course
above outlined.
The amount paid for the Mayflower
was about 100000
Recruiting is going on apace at all
stations for the army and navy. The
Michigan, at Port Erie, Pa. has en-
listed fifty-iive men SO far. and good
reports come from all quarters. The Co