New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-03-03
FIGHT OVER ARMOR PLATE
SENATE AND HOUSE AT ODDS on THE
PRICE TO BE PAID.
REDUCTION TO $500 A TON WILL PUT A COM
PLETE STOP TO. THE BUILDING
OF WARSHTPS
LEY TrLrGnAPH TO Tie TRIRr,


Washington. March 2-The mutterings Of an
other battle over armor plate We're heard in the
House Of Representatives to-day. and enough
happened TO indicate that # must be fought
before many hours have passed. only a few
days ago the House voted by a large majority
10 fix the maximum limit Of cost Of armor plate
at S44j ton and showed no disposition 10 pro-
vide for Government armOr plant il IS now
asked by the friends Of the Senate amendments 10
reverse its action. and they blocked the refer
ence Of the Naval Appropriation bill to a con-
ference committee to-day until they had been
assured that q separate vote should be had on
both propositions before they were finally dis
posed Of
In the course Of the discussion II was pointed
out that former attempt by Congress 70 reduce
the cost 10 $500 a ton had resulted in a suspen-
sion Of the production Of armor plate In this
country and the stoppage OF work on several
armor-clad vessels then in course Of construc-
ton II was also pointed out that The alternative
appropriation Of S1500Ooo for Government
armor- plate factory. proposed by the Senate. In
armor could not boz bought for $500 a ton,
would be wholly inadequate. 10 say nothing Of
the delay that would be caused by an attempt 10
build and install such a plant. But the friends
OF the Senate amendments were In no mood 70
listen 10 or heed such arguments; they simply
demanded and insisted on separate votes on the
amendments and the Naval Committee was
constrained 10 consent that the demand should
he granted.
The action Of the Senate yesterday caused
Secretary Long to take prompt measures to-
day to bring the subject t. the attention of the
Naval committees in the House and Senate In
the nope Of securing change in me Appropria-
ton bill before IT is finally enacted. The Sec
reta-y and Captain O'Neil Chief ~ the ord
nance Bureau in communications sent 10 the
committees declared that the action ~ the sen q.
ate. II adhered 10, meant the total stoppase or
all naval construction. saying that no arflor
can be procured for $500 ton. II might nave
been possible IL is said al the Department. 10 go
on and build ships without the arnol' uh"'I
ordinarv circumstances, trusting 10 IN" next
Congress 10 provide for It. but for clause H
tho Approprslti0n bill which provides that no
ships shall be built until The armor Is contracted
for The effect of the two provisions VIII ne 10
put q complete stop % shipbu!clng operations
a ear as the Navy is concerned.
AlthouCh Il is provided that n Foverhh'n.
arrror rlant shall Boz constructed I'm the event
~ the failure Of the Department 20 secure bilS
for supnlving armOr a. the price liked the oIo-
vance officers say that such plant coulD H''
he constructed and begin 70 supply me arIioi
inside OF two wears NJ the earliest IneE ai19
declare that the limit of cost fixed for the pant
ie less than half OF that found to %" af7'Iu'"iH
racesearv by the special Naval Board Which
investigated the whole subject ~ Governments
armor plants few years ago