Evening star., 1898-03-21
imous report being expected from the COM
mittee tomorrow.

lmous report being expected from the COM
mittee t6morrow.
Fertincatioa Of Tortusas..
An important conference was held In the
Office Of the Secretary OF War this morning
In regard to the fertilization Of Tortueas
harbor. There were present Secretary Al
ger. Assistant Secretary Roosevelt Of the
Navy Department, General Miles. General
Wilson. chief Of engineers. and Colonel
Henry n. Robert, Corps Of Engineers. The
last-named ofiicer was stationed on the
Florida district fer many years. in charge
OF river and harbor works and fortifica-
tions. and is thoroughly familiar with the
subject under consideration. which Is the
establishment Of coaling station at Tor
tugas and the construction Of fortincations
and harbor defenses.
Arrangements have been already made
for the establishment Of the naval station.
including the dredging of the harbor chan
mel. but troublesome question has arisen
in connection with the proposed system OF
Notifications. The engineer officers who
have been investigating the matter esti-
mate that 1t will cost about 81 900 600 and
take nearly two years to put the island in
proper state Of defense from sea attack.
Secretary Alger and his associates hesn
tate to embark on an undertaking of that
extent unless the Navy Department con-
siders the work absolutely necessary for
the protection of their interests there.
Assistant Secretary Roosevelt. represent
Ing Secretary Long, was not prepared to
assume the responsibility of an undertake
ing Of this magnitude without further con-
sultation with the naval officers specially
interested in the establishment of the coal
ing station. Definite action was postponed
In order to give him an opportunity to
further investigate the matter and report
as to the advisability OF the proposed en-
sineertng works at this outpost Of the
United States, which would undoubtedly
become the most important center of naval
operations in the event of an outbreak OF
hostillties between the United States and
Spain.
Movements of Warshfps.
The sailing Of the coast defense vessels
Mcnadnock and Monterey today for San
Francisco has been reported to the Navy
Department. The two ahips have been in
lever California waters during the past
winter engaged in target and other prac-
tfce. and their depart for the Golden
Gate Is said to be in accordance with the
usual custom each spring OF sending them
there for any repairs which may be found
necessary. The vessels are Of the monitor
class, and their presence at San Francisco
will add much to the naval defense of tina.
city should hostilities occur. They will
take. in part at least. the place left vacant
by the departure of the battle ship Oregon,
which has just left San Francisco for
Callao. Peru.
The departure of the battle ship Texas
for Hampton Roads was also reported to
the Navy Department today. The Texas
has been one Of the formidable vessels
forming part Of Admiral Sicard's North
Atlantic squadron, now rendezvoused at
Key West and Tortugas. The Massachu-
setts Is also to be sent to Hampton Roads
as part OF the fleet which 1t is intended shall
De located on the middle Atlantic seaboard,
ana her departure from the gulf is ex-
pected SOON