New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-04-16
no DESTROY PRIVATEERS.
A LARGE FLEET FOR PATRoLLING THE
COAST DECIDED ON.

PRINCIPALLY TUGS AND YACHTS. TO Re
SECURED AND FITTED OUTLET
TENANT-CoMMANDER REEDER
RECALLED FROM THE
MOSQUITO FLEET
The most important work now under considera-
ION by the Rodgers Naval Auxiliary Board Is that
~ securing the vessels needed for coast patrol To
this end Lieutenant Commander Reeder. who was
assigned 10 the third division OF the mosquito
feet 10 take command at Norfolk. has been ordered
10 resume his work in connection with the Board.
He and Commander Elmer who has direct super
vision Of the whole work Of the coast defence will
pay especial attention to the work of obtaining
suitable craft. The records and inspections already
made by the Board will he made ~ of so far as
they arc practicable
In speaking Of the subject yesterday Lieutenant
Commander Reeder said: I'VE shall need one
hundred and fifty two hundred craft Of all kinds
FOR this work. The list will he made up principally
OF tugs and small yachts. but will take other
suita bic vessels. Some larger ones may be needed
capable Of carrying moderately heavy guns and
equal the task of successfully contending with
privateersmen. which may descend upon the coast
at points which deemed unprotected There
are many swift and powerful tugs besides those
already purchased by the Navy Department oil of
which are to join the squadron at Key West 10
act as torpedo-boats. There are good tugs at
Boston. Philadelphia and Baltimore which can be
taken II needed. and want small fast yachts,
which can be armed. No vessels for this work
have set been secured. but in emergency some
Of those already purchased may be assigned to
this work"
The members Of the Board inspected half dozen
vessels yesterday, and reports on them will he
made to-day to the Navy Department Another
reinspection of the Irrawaddy was ordered She
belongs the Trinidad shipping and Trading
Company. and when first reported upon by The
Board approved and her purchase ordered.
When she recently came 10 port with load Of
asphalt inspection made. which resulted
IN an unfavorahlc report. Upon this her
sent her drydock for repairs and after these
completed asked for a inspection. The
result Of it was not made public yesterday. Three
members of the Board visited her AZ the E-ie
Basin. Other members Of tho Board yesterday
visited the steamship Arkada. the tugs A. l..
Learey and A. {. Baker. the steamship Rio Grande,
Of the Mallory Line. and some yachts lying in the
especial being desired to carry water for The
FLYING squadron at Newport News; 4 capacity Of
are required for her No vessels have Yet been
selected for repair ships. OF which one is wanted
hg sS Ct cruisers aFfsdy
Guides five Of the ten vessels orginsiiy reported
They are the Yankee the Dixie. the Prairie, the
the reaSes su made nae by the oces o. she naval
militia for the assignment Of these vessels as soon
the men Of the naval militia have been asked 10
take charge OF them. The New-York naval militia
VIII man the Prairie; the MASSACHUSETTS, Naval
Reserves will take charge OF the Yankee. the
gan Reserve will have the Yosemite, and the
Reserves Of New.Jersey will have the Venezuela.
likely TO be changed. The Dixie and the Yosemite
are being reftted at the Norfolk Navy Yard. and
the others will take their aboard at the
yard in Brooklyn. No agreement has been made
In regard the price be paid for the Venezuela.
of the Red d Line. but II will be left 10 arbitration
between the Government and the owners. The
latter said $4,000 for her and offer
Of 10000 was made, The vessel was first recon
mended upon her plans by the Board. and this
recommendation was Endorsed after the formal in
spection had been made when she came into port.
A member Of the Board sai0 yesterday that II
would not do to secure 100 many vessels until
addit;onaI guns had been obtained for arming
cruisers is practically exhausted but there are
enough for the smaller vessels TO he equipped. and
they will be made ready the larger
are of the way at the various yards. The
GOLFERS and water boats will not require much
alteration. and can be ready in a short time.