The united opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1881-1970, 1898-03-11

Navy Department to Send an
Officer Abroad.

Unanimous VoUe Given In the House to
the Emergency Appropriation-A Field
nav For the Orators Confidence Elk
pressed In the Wisdom and Patriotism
of the Administration.
Washington, March 9.-In spite OF
numerous conferences of officials, the
continuation of preparations now III
progress on a large scale to put the coun-
try in state of defense ana the out
burst of pa triotic speeches in congress-
there was a feeling apparent in the pest
informed circles Tuesday that the sltua-
ton as to our relations with Spain hau
improved Perhaps the semi official ad-
vices Indicating a peaceful purpose on
the part of the Spanish government con-
tributed in large measure to that feel
ing; or it may have been that the grow
ing knowledge of the vast extent OF our
own resources tended to the BELIEF that
thew would impress others with the
futility of attacking the United States.
HIovtver that may be, the feeling pre-
vailed.
There was very strong suggestion OF
the state of affairs that might exist In
time of actual war in the busy scenes
presented at the navy and war depart
ments. There was an almost unbroken
succession of conferences between Of
ficers and officials of various degrees,
and throughout both these branches of
the war establishments the greatest &C
tiVity was exhibited.
The point upon which the navy de-
partment seeks to inform itself looks to
securing information IS to which of the
ships in foreign yards can be purchased
Immediately. With view to acquiring
information Captain Brownson was Sc
lected to go to Europe. He is an officer
of great discretion, and his experience
on the board of inspection has thorough
ly familiarized him with all of the details
of the various types of warships.
AS to the right to buy foreign warships
all authorities agree that such purchases
may be made, even after hostilities have
begun, if the neutral nation exercises
strict impartiality between the bel
ligerents and the ships are not armed
and QUILTED ready for service. The
trade of shipbuilding is recognized as
a legitimate one, which may be carried
on at all times. Mr.. Clay, when secre-
tary of state, laid down the principle as
follows: IF it be forbidden by the law
of nations to sell to a belligeTs mt an
armed vessel completely equ'e ed and
ready for action, it is believed not to be
contrary to the law to sell to a belliger-
ent a vessel in any other state, although
it may be convertible into ship of wal"
1t is known that negotiations are in
progress toward having the United
States acquire the two cruisers now
building for'Japan, one at Cramps ship
yard at Philadelphia and the other at
the Union iron works of San Francisco
There is good reason to believe that
terms could be made between the United
States and the shpbuilders, but there
is no disposition to ignore the rights of
Japan. While suggestions have been
made that the right of eminent domain
would permit the United States to take
the two cruisers without reference to
Japan's rights, there is no desire among
officials here to resort to such steps
Moreover, it is stated that such action
would be an international offense di-
rected against Japan, and an unfriendly
act which this government is not likely
to commit at this moment toward
friendly power. The two cruisers are not
only being built for Japan, but they have
already become the actual property of
Japan by the payment of 81, $50, 600 on
each They are within three months of
completion on an emergency basis. They
are designed to make % knots which
Franks them among the swiftest cruisers
in the world. There has been talk of
organizing a flying squadron composed
altogether of fleet cruisers, four in num-
Der, and having them ready to go to sea
at a moments notice in pursuit of an
enemy's ships, relying on the big battle
ships for the home guard. This, how
ever has not been decided upon.
A proposition that received atten-
ton and is expected to be approved in
the end came to the navy department
yesterday. This was to turn over to the
navy department 10 of the best boats in
the lighthouse service. These boats are
from 800 to 400 tons burden, good sea
boats, manned by officers thoroughly
familiar with every indentation of the
atlantic coast, and capable of being
easily transformed into efficient gun
boats. 1t is proposed to place a six-inch
rifle on pivot mount on each vessel for
ward, and to place a light armor around
the boilers and machinery to protect
them from small arms fire at least The
attention of the department has also
been called to the feasibility of recruiting
the naval list from the revenue marine
cutters, a number of which are fully
equal, being given arms, to the small
type of gunboats now in the service
If these vessels were availed of. they
would be assigned to duty along the
southern coast, maintaining blockades
and relieving the larger cruisers of much
Sworrisome duty.