The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-02-26
SOUTHERN BOYS ON THE SHIPS
NAVAL RECRUITING OFFICES TO Bic
OPENED IN DIXIE.

Secretary Long Recognizes That the
south Is Full of just the Kind of
Fighting Material That Is Needed
on the Wnrships-The Secretary
Wants Congress to Authorize the
Enlistment of 800 Additional Men
and 500 Apprentices.
Washington, Feb. 25.-Southern men and
boys are to be given a chance to get into
the navy.
There was considerable rejoicing at the
navy department to-day over the informa-
ton received there from the capitalize the
effect that the House committee on naval
affairs, In preparing the naval appropria-
ton bill, has decided to adopt Secretary
Longs recommendation looking to a sub
stantial increase in the number of enlist
ed men in the service.
Secretary Long recommended an Increase
of 500 men and 500 apprentices. lie stated
that such a number was required TO man
three of the ships now held in reserve ow-
ing to the lack of sailors. Besides, many
of the ships now in commission are with
out their full complement.
1t appears that the naval committee, with
a view to economy and desire TO keep
down the expenditures OF the government
Notwithstanding the reasonable request. of
Secretary Long, has cut the secretary's es-
innate in twain as regards the number of
men, but adopts his recommendation as to
apprentice boys Even this increase Is
gratifying to the naval authorities and
they will at once take into consideration
the subject of making desirable enlist
ments. 1t is possible that the Senate, in
view of the recent expressions of liberality
on the part of the leaders IN that body as
regards the navy, may be Induced 20 IN
crease the number provided by the House,
and give Secretary Long the full number
recommended by him. 1t is also probable
that the House may amend the bill as 1t
comes from the committee and fix the
number al 1,500.
Assistant Secretary Roosevelt, who has
taken a deep interest in increasing the
number of enlisted men in the navy for
the benefit Of giving all the ships In
commission their full complement, heard
the news from the capitol with peculiar
qualification, and although the recruiting
branch of the service does not come un-
der his jurisdiction, he will do anything
in his power to impress upon Congress
the Importance of supplying the full num-
Der of men recommended by Secretary
Long.
The enlistments will be made under the
direction of the bureau of navigation, of
which Capt. Crowninshield is chief. II is
understood that recruiting stations will
be established in all of the Southern cities,
for it is believed that the South offers a
most desirable class of young men, who
are anxious to enter the naval service.
1t is quite likely that Lieutenant Com
mander Hawley, who recently returned
from recruiting expedition in the West
will be detailed as special recruiting officer
i'm the Southern and Western states. OF
course 1t is not intended that the entire
addition to the navy shall be taken from
any one section of the country, but from
the general trend of things 1t is believed
at the navy department that there are
numbers of intelligent, brave and worthy
young men In the South who would only
be too glad of an opportunity to enter
Uncle Sans navy.
Under existing conditions the enlist
ments cannot be made until Congress pro-
Yides for the increase, but as soon as the
law goes into effect the work Of recruit
ing will be begun.