The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-03-19
.PAY ROLLS SHOW /
Activity in Naval Circles Has
Been Phenomenal.
MKINLEY KEEPS COUNT
viii Show Congress Where
The Defense Fund Goes.

Washington, March 1s.-Some idea of the
activity prevailing in naval circles is Civ
en- by the statement that the pay roll OF
the construction department. only one OF
several departments in the Mare Island
navy yard. for Morch. was $4,000. This
great expenditure per month il is said
was not equalled during the latae war.
1t is said TO be the purpose OF the presi-
dent and his advisers to keep separate
and distnce accounts of all funds eX-
pended from the SO. 900. 900 emergency ap-
preparation made by congress for the ma
tional defense. In accordance with this
intention q separate form of requisition
has been prepared and all amounts allot-
ted from the fund are made upon the di-
rect order signed by the president him
self.
The president wants to report to con-
gress just how every cent of this money
is spent" saaid a member OF the cabinet
today, adm for this reason is adopting
the course above outlined"
The amount paid for the Mayfower was
about S4O0. 900.
Recruiting is going on apace at all sta
tons for the army and navy. The Michi-
gan at Erie, Pa, has enlisted fifty-five
men so far, an good reports come from all
quarters. The Columbia and the Mime
apoils are still 21O men each short of their
proper force. This is accountde for by the
fact that fremen. machinists and coal
passers are wanted. An officer at the de-
partment said that 5000 iandsmen could
be secured in a day if they were desired
The Marblehead is at Tampa. The lit
tie Bancroft on her way TO Fayal. She ap-
pears to be making about as good time as
her larger consort. the Helena. The Sam
oset arrived at Key West today, as did
the Montgomery. while the Detroit sailed
from that port for Tortugas. The Machias
has arrived at Boston. where she will
have slight repairs made.
The ordnance bureau Of the war depart
ment today awarded contracts for a large
number Of steel armor-piercing and deck
piercing projectiles for the coast fortifca-
ton guns. There were several bidders.
but instead of giving the contract 10 one
concern. the bureau divided the contract
sot hat supplies will be coming from sew
eral quarters at the same time.
The new naval policy embodied in the
creation of another squadron TO rendez-
vous at Hampton Roads was also DISCUSS
ed at the cabinet meeting at length today,
and received unanimous approval.
The San Francisco reported her arrival
from Lisbon at Gravesend today. Under
his orders, the commander will divide his
crew with the Amazonas and will sail at
the earliest possible moment for the Unit
ed States conveying the new ship. Be-
yond the Amazonas. her sister ship, the
Abreaull and the Mayflower. no purchases
Of ships have been made by the navy de-
partment. A number of fleet steam yachts
owned in the United States are being Of
fered to the department, and it is proba-
bic that some of these will be purchased.
Secretary Long takes the view that fail
ing to secure the torpedo boat destroyers
he wants, the best plan is for him to
equip some of these speedy boats with
torpedo tubes and light batteries and i'm
provise torpedo boats. The navy depart
ment is convinced that the Spanish gov
eminent has not acquired possession Of
the Varez. the italian armored cruiser
II would not, however be a matter of
deep concern If the report were true. The
department itself had the vessel in view
as a possible acquisition, but abandoned
the idea, upon learning that she could not
be made ready for service in less than
three or four months, which practically
put her out OF consideration as an emer-
gency purchase.
The gunboat Newport reported her ar
rival by cable to the navy department
from Greytown. She will bring back to
the United States the Nicaragua canal
commission and then will be attached al
once TO the North Atlantic squadron.