The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1898-03-06
WE MAY BUY WARSHIPS.
OFFERS MADE TO THIS GOVERNMENT
OF SHIPS NEARLY COMPLETED.

List-viEilance or the Administration.
WASHINGTON. March B.-Tho critics Of Presi-
dent McKinley's supposed attitude In regard to
preparations for vindioA ting the national honor
have had no knowledge of the facts. or else have
made their comments without regard for the
truth. Mr.. Mckinley 10 not only in thorough
accord with what has been dono, but is making
suggestions and even giving directions to place
the country In condition for meeting any emor.
Rency. 1t Is true that the President hopes there
will be no war, but what he has said
to his friends and official advisers makes it plain
that he will take extreme measures to obtain
satisfaction from Spain il the Naval Court OF In.
duiry reports that tho Spanish Government 10
In any degree responsible for tho destruction Of
the Maine. He has held frequent conferences
with tho officials of the naval and military
departments on the subject of arranging for
offensive and defensive measures. He realizes
fully that tho situation ia most critical, and
believes that no would DO dcrelict In his
duty to himself and the country II anything
within his power were left undone. In the pres-
emit state of public feeling tho Administration
believes it would be unwise to make any urgent
demand on Congress for unusual approprin-
tions to be expended in putting the country on
q war footing. The Navy Department went as
far as 1t could 60 under existing conditions in
asking the Senate and the House Committees
on Naval Affairs to introduce q measure giving
authority for the enlistment Of 800 additional
seanen and for pressing into service the mer-
chant vessels on the list of auxiliary cruisers
and appropriatinG 81 90. 600 for the purchase of
conl. Probably moro concessions from Congress
would have been requested II opposition had
not been made to these recommendations by
leaders In the Senate and House. President
Mckinley has shown within the past few days
an ardent desire to put the military and naval
forces and the coast Notifications in 6rst-class
condition. and whatever may have been tho
original disposition OF some of those whose
counsel he seeks. there is now no doubt that he
has brought them over to his way Of thinking.
The lie to tho assertion that Secretary Long
said Spain had been acquitted of RESPONSE
bility for the disaster has been and is being
given in the active arrangements that arc
now being made, with the approval Of tho
President, by the War and Navy Depart
ments. Secretary Long, despite the unjust
construction that has been placed on his
casual remark is undoubtedly In thorough 40
cord with the President. SO is Secretary Alger,
who. although not fully recovered from tho ill
ness which kept him away from official duties
for several weeks, returned to Washington TO
assume direction Of tho emergency preparations
which his department is making.
Whilo the land forces will have an important
part in any hostilities. 1t 10 on the navy that
principal dependence will be placed. according
to the view Of tho Administration and secre-
tary Long has had frequent consultations with
the President on the subject Of increa sing tho
naval efficiency. They arc at the present time
considering the advisability of arranging for the
purchase OF armorclads owned by or being con-
structed for foreign Governments. Several offers
have been received from shtpbuiiders who have
vessels which they think they can dispose of to
the United States without serious objections
from the countries for whom they are being
built. 1t is also reported that some Govern
ments have expressed O willingness to have the
United States take off their hands several for
midable ships already completed or nearly ready
for service. The Administration wants to get
hold OF some Of these vessels, but does not know
how to accomplish that end without express
authority from Congress. Options can be OBJ
tanned. but options cost money. ana there is no
money available for the purpose. The required
sum might be taken from the naval appropria-
tions. as Gen. Tracy did when the Government
was confronted with the probability Of war with
Chilli during his administration as Secretary of
tho Navy. but every cent of that is needed to
carry out the projects already on hand. How to
make such preparations az Secretary Tracy made
without resort to legislative authority Is tho
problem the President and Secretary Long are
trying TO solve. They had q conference to-day.
presumably in relation to the matter. and while
1t was in progress sent for Lieut.. Alexander
Sharp. Jr.. naval aid TO Assistant Secretary
Roosevelt. who keeps n record of foreign naval
progress.
1t is understood that the attention of the Gov
ernment in its desire to secure options is d.
rected to two ships, both armored. which the
Armstrong; are building for Sweden and Nor
way. They are practically ready. Two pro-
tected cruisers under construction by the
Armstrong; for Japan are also on the Navy
Department list. They are similar tothe vessels
which Japan Is having built by the Cramps OF
Philad olphia and the Union Iron Works of San
Francisco. Both are being constructed for I
great speed. The contract speed 10 twenty-four
knots. Each vessel will have a displacement Of
$500 tons.
Capt. sigsbee telegraphed the Navy Depart
msnt to-day that the Maine Board of Inquiry
had returned to Havana. He also notified tho
department Of tho arrival at Havana OF the
Spanish armorod cruiser oquendo. Reports of
the movements Of all Spanish warships are
being made to the department
The question OF securing transports for pow
der. coal. and other munitions is giving con-
siderable bother to the Navy Department. Mer-
chant vessels cannot be induced to carry explo-
sives on account of the high rates OF insurance
which they would be obliged TO pay and the
great risks taken. 1t is ON account Of this. and
because of the lack OF funds for the purpose.
that the MohIcan will take a cargo of powder to
Honolulu, to be there transferred TO the Bllti-
more, which will carry 1t to Hong Kong. where
the vessels Of the Asiatic squadron are concen-
trated. The BaltImores assignment to Asiatic
waters was not only to augment Admiral Dew.
ey's squadron. but also. and principally, to con.
vey a sufficient supply OF ammunition to tho
ships composing It, in preparation for tho
emergency which may cause them to mako
an offensive movement on tho Philippine
Islands. There is felt to be q need OF several
vessels for transportation purposes, and the
Navy department would like to secure them at
once. as they will require some overhauling to
make them suitable for war service. A marine
machine shop is also desired. Such a vessel
would stay with a squadron SO as to be within a
call n any man-of-war suffered q breakdown in
her machinery or was disabled In action. But un-
til Congress makes tho necessary appropriations
Tho deparlment will probably DO ohliged to