The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1898-03-10

ard arm. a million being now in the
hands of British soldiers. Gen. Miles
recommended it's adoption eighteen
years ago, when member of the
board for the choice of a rifle. He
continues his advocacy of it, and in
view of his ranking position in the
army, his view will have much weight.
The gun is used by the United States
navy and this is being urged as an
other point In It's favor, as the reserve
supply would be available for either
pranch of the government service.
Kept Secret.
The ordnance bureau of the war de-.
partment has control of the letting of
contracts for rifles, small arms, etc.
The officials of the bureau observe
great reticence, feeling that the publ
cation of what they are doing would
prejudice the interests of the govern
ment. But the closing of contracts
is at most a question of time, for the
heads of departments are agreed that
these supplies are the first to be Sc
cured.
Like attention is being given to sup
plies of powder, cartridges, etc.. for
the army. Those in authority say or
ders can be filled without delay and
that about the only branch of ord
nance on which the facilities are not
1ully up to an emergency demand are
those for heavy fertilization guns.
Senor Mendonca, the Brazilian min
lister, said today that he had received
no information as to the reported ne
EQUATIONS toward the purchase of Bra
ziilan warsh1ps now in course of con-
ofhc1al quarters the impression is
growing that there is better prospect
OF securing ships now building for Ar
gentlna and Chile. Brazil has been
actlVe OF late in building up her nayv
and there is doubt as to her willing
ness TO part with any of the ships now
oulldlng for her. These include two
lronclads building at the Armstrong
yards, two ironclads in France and
onIee torpedo boat catchers at Stettin,
germany. Considerable payments
nave been made on these. and they
nave become largely the property of
Brazll. 1t is claimed, however, that
the report Of a treaty between Brazil
ana Chile, which would prevent either
from selling ship, unless the other
soId at the same time. is erroneous.
No Report.
Inasmuch as the return to Washine-
ton of Mr.. Hulz, who acted as one of
oSA opiiSiS VI the court OF in
qu1ry at Key West, has been made the
basis for the assumption that he
orought to the secretary of the navy a.
report from the court and also that he
gave the secretary what purported TO
De the conclusions of the court as to
the cause Of the Maine disaster II NAV
pe stated by authority of the secretary
tnat ne mas not seen or communicated
win Mr. Hulz since the latters return
nor does he expect to do so.
So far as can be gathered Mr. Hulz
leIt the court of Inquiry because it had
no longer need for his services. There
was more than one stenographer en-
ployed by the court at the time when
II was deemed essential to make haste
IN taking the testimony Of the surviv-
ors or the wreck in the early stages.
When that had been done it was nos
slble to proceed before the court with
less stenographic assistance. and Mr.
Hulz was allowed to return to Wash.
ington.
Admiral Sicard has been authorized
TO enlist suitable men for the navy AZ
Key West If he can find the material
He reported that he had received some
applications from machinists and sea-
men and was Immediately given the
power to take the men. The denart- :
ment is still striving vigorously to So.
cure machinists, especially men who
know how to run stationary engines
These men can be quickly taught how
to run marine engines and reol1ire It.
tie other training to make them vain.
able aboard ship.