The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-03-27

bassador, spent some time with Judge
| Day during the afternoon, but IL Is I'M
| dcrstood to have no relation with the
| Cuban question. IL IL undoubtedly true.
however. that the British Ambassador
has learned officially the essential con-
clusion reached by the American Court
| of Inquiry and that the British govern
ment is apprised Of the facts.
| An official In high standing. referring
TO sir Julians call. stated that the Maine
report was one more factor toward In
| ducing European governments. particu-
larry Great Britain. to take cognzance
| OF the dreadful condition OF affairs pre-
| vailing in Cuba and TO look at least with
sympathy. II not with more practical
means. to an Intervention which would
put an end to such suffering.
The Navy Department. as usual. was
the most active centre of the day.
Commodore Schley came to bid good
bye to Secretary Long before going to
Hampton Roads to assume command
Of the flying squadron. He leaves WASH
ington tomorrow and will raise his COM
modore's flag on Monday. His heart is
In this particular assignment and he ex-
pressed the greatest satisfaction on start
ing for this sea service.
PAINTING SHIPS.
Late I'm the day another shift was made
in the plans for painting the warshps,
and Captain CrOwninshield finally deter
mined that all the ships OF the navy
should be painted dull lead color This
was the color OF all the Federal ships
during the civil war and is said to be the
best fighting color"
The Naval Bureau Of Ordnance is pre-
pairing new mounts for number OF
Whitehead torpedoes in order 70 place
them on the revenue cutters. the newly
acquired yachts and tugs. The torpedo
tubes were originally intended to 20 be-
low deck but with the new craft the
tubes and mounts must he changed for
service on the upper decks. When this
work is done Captain O'Ncil. head Of the
Bureau. expects to be able 10 equip six
ty craft. If occasion demands. with tor
pedo tubes.
BIG CONTRACTS.
The contracts for the big steel piers.
coal sheds and extensive coal appliances
for loading war vessels at Dry Tortugas
and Key West were let to-day. The
Union Bridge Company of New York
city will build the steel piers etc. both
at Tortugas ana Key West. the contract
price being $3.50 900. The tracks. cars. ma
chinery will be furnished by the Brown
Hosting Company. Of Cleveland, for
$ljl 900. These were not the lowest bids.
but the Navy Department considered
other features than the amount bid. The
contract calls tor completing the extern
sive work at Tortugas in $50 days and al
Key West in 10 days. The machinery is
10 be installed and ready for service ten
days later.
Formal orders were issued to-day by
r. 81. % Of no
Cutter Service. for the eight revenue yes
sells called into the service Of the navy
to rendezvous at the Norfolk Navy-yard.
The instructions given to the commanders
Of the ships were 10 report at Norfolk
between 9th Of March. and the 9TH Of
April. and there to have the necessary
alterations and repairs made upon them
at the earliest possible moment. As al
ready announced. these ships Will pro-
coed to Key West as soon as they can
be gotten ready for service
Preparations are making by the light |
house board 10 turn over to the Navy |
Department the lighthouse tenders and |
were issued to-day by the |
board to the commanders of the tenders |
TO make a complete inventory OF the |
present furnishings and equipment of the |
vessels. The equipment OF the vessels |
will be done at the Norfolk Navy Yard.
HARMONIOUS WORK.
For several days proposition has been /
under consideration by Secretaries Long |
and Alger TO form a board composed OF |
one member each from the army and |
navy to systemic and harmonic the de-
fensive operations along the Atlantic sea- |
board. in order that there might be no |
clashing between the two great arms OF /
the government To-day Lieutenant-Col- |
onel A. j. Wagner. chief of the Bureau |
Of Military Intelligence. was designated
by Secretary Alger to act with Captain
Barker as the representative OF the
army.
Late this afternoon Captain Barker and
Colne Wagner had an extended confer
ence with Secretary Roosevelt
in the latter's private office Preliminary |
plans for the operation OF the board were
along the lines indicated
above. but no definite statement concern
ing the nature of the boards work could
be obtained from any Of the parties TO
the conference.
In case of hostlities the work Of the
board will be- very important, as through
il the two great departments of the gov
eminent at all times will work in perfect
lnision.
j. is believed by many Of the war and
navy officials that the board composed
as 1t is Of two most efficient officers will
prove of distinct value.
AS rapidly as possible the Navy Depart
ment is pushing the work Of preparation
for calling into active service such of the
naval militia of the various States as
nay be needed and will volunteer for SER
vice.
A large contract for disappearing gun
carriages was awarded to-day 10 the
Walker Company. of Cleveland. Ohio
whose immense foundries and machine
shops nave been placed at the disposal
If the government. The company will
'un its plant night and day TO rush the
work for rapid delivery.
1t is probable that the first deliveries
Will begin in about three weeks
FEELING IN HAVANA.