New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-03-11

OFFERED To SECRETARY LONG
SECRETARY ALdER ORDERS
WORK on BIG GUNS
tt BE HURRIED.
/ fBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRrBusr.l
Washington. March 1O.-In the Navy and war
Departments to-day the extraordinary prepara-
tions for National defence continued with un'
abated earnestness every office in the great
building west Of the White House exhibiting
state OF hustle and activity far surprising that
which marked the Chilian excitement In tho
Harrison Administration. The vast mechanisms
OF both services give evidence Of being strained
to their utmost capacity for the prompt dispatch
of the numerous orders that are being Issued
the plans drawn and the propositions considered.
In the Navy the presence Of emergency Is
more noticeable than in the Army, the latter
branch being concededly in better condition for
meeting suspension Of amlcable relations with
so distant a nation Spain than the Navy.
which would be called upon first in the event OF
hostilities for offensive purposes we'll as In
case Of attempted assault from the sea This
activity has spread to the United States naval
attaches in foreign countries who are busily
engaged in sec ring information called for by
the Department in regard to the possible pur'
chase Of ships and supplies abroad.
Their dispatches. which are cabled in cipher.
ships. intmating that the contractors for South
American and Asatic vessels are responsible to
the countries which have ordered the vessels.
and that negotiations must necessarily be COM
Quoted with the principals.
WARsHIPS THE MOST URGENT NEED.
AS 10 supplies 1t appears that any quantity
of desirable stores Of all kinds may be readily
secured. and in some instances terms are quoted
The Department however practically reached
the conclusion to-day that the tremendous re-
sources of this country could be relied upon 10
furnish everything needed except warships.
which would take time TO build. and would have
to be bought outright. The necessity for ac-
quirng several armored vessels Immediately Is
fully realized. and no effort will be spared to
find them but it is not likely that any but tho
best would be seriously considered.
II proposals which have already been presented
10 the owners OF several powerful vessels mako
it possible for the United States TO buy them,
Naval Constructor Linnard would be ordered TO
proceed at once to inspect them thoroughly, ana
on his report as 10 their strength rather than on
the opinion Of any other officer their subsequent
purchase would depend. The stumbling block OF
the strict neutrality Of European nations which
might ordinarily operate to prevent the transfer
of such vessels in their ports 10 the United
ton Of arrangements to acquire them through
third party. The two japanese vessels. the
Kiasagi, at Philadelphia. and the Chitose. at
San Francisco. il is now settled. could be obs
tained without incurring Japan's displeasure.
HOME SUPPLIES OF MUNITIONS.
The Administration considers itself fortunate
IN being able 10 abandon the idea or buying
powder and other explosives abroad. when
might have created an unfayorab'e opinion IN
some quarters as 10 the ability of the Uniteo
States to take care Of itself without external
assistance 1t has been found that. while tho
peaceful career Of this country in recent years
has not been calculated TO develop its facilities
for quickly supplying munitions Of war. the
wealth and diversity of resources the country
possesses may be relied upon 10 respond prompts
~ 70 any demand which may be made on them.
and whether the deficiency be in powder, pro-
tectiles or guns the delay in providing Tor tho
daily manufacture Of large quantities would be
comparatively insignificant.
Naval officers felt some disappointment to-day
on learning that, In spite Of the patriotic wave
which has swept over the country men are not
coming forward with the anticipated alacrity
10 enlist for duty aboard the ships IL was
thought that the opportunity afforded for a
cruise on the Minneapolis and the Columbia
men who could stand the rigid physical ex-
animation requisite for admission, but dis
couragingly small number Of men have pre-
sented themselves.
NAVAL MACHINISTS WANTED.
In these high-speed ships with their magnih-
cent machinery. constituting the chief feature
or their tyne. nlachinists are most needed and
this class is apparently the most reluctant 10
ioin the Navy Notwithstanding they are pretty
we'll paid as naval salaries go. the lowest grade
receiving SO 4 month. while chief machnsts.
in charge Of engine watches are paid S'N
In both cases there is an allowance Of rationA
clothing and other supplies that taken in con-
nection with the salary. makes the places rather
desli able.
To remedy this deficiency Of enstments. Com
mander John NJ Hawey, the naval officer in
charge Of the crews Of ships; Chief Engineer
Webster and Surgeon Kemus NJ. Persons have
been designated to open up new field. They
will endeavor to enlist men in tho South and
West. and for that purpose will lekG-s here to-
morrow for New orleans. Galveston and ST.
Louis. perhaps visiting other points. and as
rapidly as men can be gathered and examined
they Will be sent to the New-fork Navy fard
for instruction. They will also enlist ordinary
seamen who have had some experience and
Will undertake to hl the vacancies in the Ma
rae Corps.
Colonel Haywood secured authority to-day TO
bring the Marine Corps up TO its legal strength
Of 3013 men. This compels the addition Of ii3
me1. with a sufficient number Of tents 70 accom-
nodate the two battaons and any extra equip
ment which might be necessary 10 III the SOL
diers for the field Colonel Haywood immedate-
" telegraphed orders 10 the different Navy
yards where marines are stationed to recruit
all eligible men applying 4 consultation u the