The record-union., 1898-03-23

been given, nor has Commodore Schley
received any information from officials
that he would be placed in command of
the squadron
The Navy Department continues to
keep informed as to the Spanish tor
pedo fleet, now stopping at the Cana
ries. Word of it's departure has not
yet reached the department. 1t can
be stated positively that the report that
President Mckinley has protested
against the coming of the fotilla is
unwarranted. There has been no such
protest.
AT the Navy Department nothing is
known of the reported ordering home
Of the Names officers now at Havana.
would come from Admiral Sicard. and
not from the Navy Department. The
seven Maine survivors who arrived here
last Saturday came in response to or
ders from Admiral Sicard, and it was
for this reason that their arrival was
a surprise to the naval officials here.
1t is not expected that Captain Sigs
bee, Lieutenant-C Commander Vain
wright and others who are assisting in
the work of wreckage will leave Ha-
vana until the salvage Of the Maine is
completed
Serious attention is being given by
the Navy Department officials to the
question of acquisition of a suitable
location for a coaling station some
where in the West Indies. Steps have
already been taken to establish such
station at the Dry Tortugas but
this, it is said, is the only deep water
harbor available for big warships be-
tween Hampton Roads and the Rio
GranGe. Besides, it is practically un-
protected at present, and a fleet would
have to be stationed there to protect
the coal stored. which is unsatisfactory
The officials, therefore, have been cast
ing about for a location which would
serve the purpose of q coaling station,
and which the United States might ac-
quire either as a purchase or cessiOn
from one of the friendly Governments.
| There are a number of fine harbOrs
among the West Indies, said naval
officer to-day, and in one of them we
ought to have a coaling station.
Secretary Long is considering the
matter, and it is probable that if the
O,
arrangements a station will be secured.
The Importance of securing one, the
officials point out, is very great as in
the event of hostilities our ships might
be put to very great inconvenience and
delay IL filling their bunkers when
their presence might be needed to pro-
tect critical points
At the War Department bids were
supplying 100000 pounds of brown
prismatic powder for the sea coast fort
ification guns. There were only two
bidders-the California Powder Com
pany and the Dupont Powder Company.
The former concern offered to supply
the powder at the rate of 81. 10 cents
per pound. Twenty-one days after re-
ceiving the contract they will begin
delivering the powder at the rate Of
$4,000 pounds weekly. The Dupont bid
was 32.1T cents per pound for that to
be delivered at the powder arsenal at
Dover, N. J., and 34.175 cents per
pound for that to be delivered at the
Benicia arsenal, California.
In day or two the Ordnance Blu
reau will award the contract for sup
plying the department with 2,0OO,0Oo
smokeless powder rifle cartridges of
| 80 caliber.
The War Department has received
! information of the recent arrival at
New York of the steamer Nordkyn
with 800 pounds of smokeless powder
from abroad This powder is for test
| ing purposes at Sandy Hook.