The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1898-03-12
He Instruots All Factories to
Work at Full Capacity.
New Military Department. Created
for the Atlantic Coast. Which IL
Liable to He Attackcd-HOusc
Naval Committee Provides for
Three Additional Dattleshtru-
America Said to Have Completed
Cruisers-Ofhcers ON the Retired
List Will he Ready for Service.

WASHINGTON. March 1I.-For tho
first time today the officials of the war
department admitted that they were
straining every nerve TO improve that part
OF the defenses of the country confined 10
their care. 1t is without question q
most unusual mark OF confidence in an
executive officer to empower him to give
orders without limit ON the purchase Of
war material. yet this is what the presi-
dent and Secretary Alger have done in
the case OF Gen. Flagier. chief of ord
nance. And the officer has not shown
any disposition to shirk this large re-
sponsibility. but has Instructed every con-
Germ capable OF supplying war materials.
such as rapid-fire guns. shot. shell and
ammunition. to 20 to work at full capa-
city
The most important and significant de-
velopments OF the day were the decision
OF the house naval committee to place in
the naval appropriation bill provision for
three new battIeships. and conclusion on
the part of the secretary OF war to issue
tomorrow morning an order creating
new military department. including within
its confines that part of the country which
would be In all likelihood nearest the field
of hostilities in case II should come to
that.
The order will cause commotion In the
South. The present department or Texas
is abolished and the headquarters which
have been at San Antonio Tex. for SO
many years are abandoned. In place of the
old department is created new one the
department or the South. Gen. Graham.
at present commander OF the department
OF Texas. will command the new depart
nent. This. department will include South
Carolina. Georgia. Florida, Alabama Mis-
sissippi Louisiana and Texas All of these
states save the last are at present attach
ed TO the department of the East. under
command OF Gen. Merritt. OF New York
II IL said at the department that Gen.
Merritt Is fully compensated for tho
strength OF the command which passes
away from him. by the addition TO his
command of the two regiments OF artillery
department OF the South win be at Allan
Ia. chosen because of its fine strategicai
value from its excellent railroad conuec.
tons. AT present the government has no
accommoda tions In Atlanta for the head
quarters OF the department SO IL will 10
obliged to hire tae most available build
!ngs.
ut.f 81 ne
has been In Florida. Is expected back to-
morrow to report to Secretary Alger upon
the progress of the fertilization works in
that section OF the country, and probably
especially as TO the defense of Torsugas.
The naval department has now reason
to believe that it has secured the two war
ships, the Amazonas and her sister ship.
now building IN England for Brazil 1t
was stated at the cabinet meeting today
by Secretary Long that the naval attaehe
a, London. Lieut.-coi Well. had almost
completed negotiations for the sale SO far.
however. final notification from him that
his offer has been accepted had not yet
reached the department.
The day passed again without word from
1ir ASAit VI AAi14tss atAtAhiitE ~ Aait rNAtc-
merit OF Secretary Iong who says that
he has received nothing whatever from
the court az Havana or Judge Advocate
Mark.
The secretary has determined that there
shall be no wasteful extravaganza In his
department ia the expenditure of The funds
provided by congress. and 10 this end he
has addressed the following letter 10 the
assistant secretary OF the navy and the
con.msndant of the marine corps. and to
each bureau chief OF the navy depart
meat:
Sir: Under The emergency appropria-
ti0n of $1,000 90. made Wednesday. you
viii incur no expense or liability except
after written statements and estimate
made by you and approved by the presi-
dent and secretary. all in writing. 4 spe-
cial record must be kept or every such
requisitian. II any such liability or ex-
pense has been incurred by you by oral
direction. make such written statement
and estimate ard submit It at once for
such approval. by order OF the president.
Very respectfully,
JOHN p. LONG, Secretary
In anticipation Of rupture between the
United States and Spain. many naval on
Gers on the retired iist have notified the
secretary of the navy of their willingness
and readiness 70 perform any duty In that