The Anaconda standard., 1898-03-16
A WAR FUND ALLOTMENT
Ordnance Bureau Given Two and
Half Millions.
WORK Is MOVING RAPIDLY
Arrangements Made for More Torpedo
Boats-The Cruiser Amazonas VIII
Be Manned From the San
Francisco.

Washington, March 15.-This was an
other busy day in the war and navy de-
partments. Secretary Alger was en-
abled to make an allotment of funds
from the appropriation of $50, 900, 900
which will greatly facilitate the work
of the bureaus. These bureaus had not
been able to conclude any contracts for
the procurement of warship supplies
because no allotment had been made,
but this afternoon the ordnance bureau
was given 81, 600 and business went
forward with a rush. 1t is true that
this sum is already mortgaged under
provisional arrangements 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, to which he
was obliged to return twice, but also
being obliged to see a great many per-
sons with whom the department has, or
expects to have, contract relations.
Among the latter was Mr. Herreshoff
the torpedo boat builder from Bristol
r. l. He turned two or three boats
over to the department a few days ago,
and the secretary's purpose in consult
ing him was to learn how much he
could hasten the work on one of the
boats remaining in his hands, which in
ordinary times would require about two
months to complete. The secretary al
so spent a good deal of time at intervals
during the day in consulting over the
long distance telephone with naval of
ficers in New York. and it is believed
much of this consultation concerned the
procurement of suitable vessels from
the auxiliary navy for war purposes.
Mr.. Malster of the Columbian Iron
works at Baltimore has notified the de-
partment that he will be able to turn
over the torpedo boat Rodgers next
Saturday. The Rodgers is boat
which smashed her engines in the midst
of trial trip about six months ago.
1t was necessary to replace the en-
gines, but under the hurry orders from
the navy department this has been done
in good time. 1t is expected that the
boat will be taken at once from Balti-
more to Norfolk. The department has
no disposition to waste time at this
jucture in making trial trips, but know
/ ing the boat to be of satisfactory type,
like her sister boat the Winslow, and of
good workmanship, according to the
naval inspectors reports, she will be
accepted out of hand, as were the Gwyn
and Talbot last week
The new cruiser Amazonas, according
to the present plans, will be manned
entirely from the San Francisco. That
vessel sailed at o'clock this morning
from Lisbon, and is expected to arrive
at Tyne about Friday. 1t is expected
that she will divide her officers and
crew with the Amazonas, placing Lieu
tenant Commander Arthur p. Nazro
executive officer of the San Francisco,
I in charge of the latter vessel Without
| doubt. the Amazonas will be gotten
across the ocean as soon as possible
and it is expected that the San Fran
cisco will convoy her.
The torpedo boat Foote arrived at
Jacksonville to-day. The Machias
sailed from Norfolk to Boston, where
she will undergo some repairs made
necessary by her long Asiatic cruise.
! The Brooklyn went up to Newport
News for coal. The Marblehead, which
is taking on stores at Tampa, sailed to
rejoin the squadron at Tortugas.
Judge Advocate Lemley received a
telegram this afternoon from Havana,
announcing the arrival there of the
! Derrick Chief. in tow of the tug I'm
derwriter IT is expected that the Der
rick will greatly facilitate the work of
wrecking the Maine.
The war department is greatly dis
appointed and annoyed at the dilatori-
! ness shown by the contractors who
| have undertaken to construct the new
fortifications along the coast. 1t is
said that only one among the whole
number has finished his contract on
time. The department has been great
/ ~ embarrassed thereby in placing it's
guns and has been obliged to extend
the time allowed these contractors. The
department has determined not to have
to submit to further obstruction in
prosecuting the work undertaken. but
will do the work itself and refrain from
entering into contracts.