The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-03-16

These bureaus had not been able TO con-
cludo any contracts for the procurement
Of war supplies because no allotment had
been made, but this afternoon the ord
nance bureau was given two and half
million dollars and business went for
ward with a rush.
1t is true that this sum is already
mortgaged under provisional arran$a-
ments made during the past week but
with the assurance Of more funds TO come
the work of the bureau Is now moving
rapidly.
Secretary Long was exceedingly busy
to-day having not only to give good
deal Of time to the Cabinet 20 which ne
was Obliged To return twice. but also
being Obliged 10 see a great many persons
with whom the Department has or eX-
poets 10 have contract relations.
TORPEDO BOATS.
Among the latter was Mr.. Herreschoff
the torpedo boat builder from Bristol. r.
I. He turned two OF these boats over
TO the Department a few days ago and
the Secretary's purpose i'm consulting him
was 10 learn how much he could hasten
the work on one OF the boats remaining
on his hands which in ordinary times
would require about two months TO COM
ple'e.
The Secretary also spent a good deal Of
time at intervals during the day con-
sul'lng over the long-distance telephone
with naval officers I'm New York and II
"a believed that much of this consulta-
ton concerned the procurement or SUI a
able vessels from American lines Tor
auxiliary war purposes.
Mr. Master. of the Columbian Iron
Works. at PaltimC re. has notified the de-
-. OBJ n
over TO Il next Saturday the torpedo
boat Rogers.
The Rogers is 2 boat which smashed
her ersines in the middle of a trial trip
about six months ago. 1t was necessary
almost to replace the engines. but under
the hurry-up orders Of the Navy Depart
ment this has been done in rush.
The Navy Department shows no disDo-
sitiOn 10 waste time al this juncture. but
knowing the boat 10 be OF satisfactory
type-like her sister boat. the Winsow.
and of good workmanship, according 10
the Naval Inspectors reports-she will
be accepted out OF hand. as were the
Gwyn and Talbot last week.
THE AMAONAS CREW.
The now cruiser. Amazonas, according
10 present plans will be manned entirely
from the San Francisco. That vessel
bon and will arrive in the Tyne about
Friday.
II Is said that she will divide her Of
hcers and crew with the AmazOnas.
placing Lieutenant Commander Arthur
j. Nazro. executive officer OF the San
Francisco in charge Of the latter YES
sci. Without doubt the Amazonas viii
be gotten across the ocean as soon as
possible, and IL is said that the San
Francisco will convoy her.
The torpedo boat Foote arrived at
Jacksonville this morning.
The Macnias sailed from Norfolk 10
Boston. where she will undergo some re-
pairs made, necessary by her long As.atic
cruise.
The Brooklyn went TO Newport News
for coal The Mmblehead which Is TAX
ing on stores at Tampa. sailed to roJoin
the squadron at Tortueas.
Judge Acknowledgement Lemly re-
ceived a telegram this afternoon from
Havana. announcing the arrival there Of
the derrick Chief. in tow Of the tug
Underwater. It IS said that this derrick
Will greatly facilitate the work OF wreck
ing the Maine.
DISAPPOINTING
The War eDpartment Is greatly disap-
pointed and annoyed at the dilator'ness
shown bv the contractors who have
undertaken 10 construct the new fortlhca-
tions along the coast.
1t is said that only one among the
whole number has finished his contract
on time.
The department has been greatly en-
barrassed thereby in placing its guns
and has been obliged TO extend the time
allowed these contractors.
The department has determined not 70
submit further obstruction in prosecuting
the work but will do the work itself and