The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1899-11-15
INCREASE FOR THE NAVY.
PROJECT TO BE SUBMITTED TO
CONGRESS WHEN IN SESSION.
Involves Eighteen Warships, SIX Of
Them Improved and Enlarged
BrOOklyns and Olympias. and
Twelve Gunboats OF 4 New Type.

NEW YORK. Nov. IA special to the
Tribune from Washington says: The pro-
jsct for further naval increases which
congress will be asked TO authorize at the
next session for immediate construction.
involves eighteen warships, three of them
armored cruisers of the improved Brook
lyn type, but double the size and formid-
ableness OF that vessel; three improved
Oiympias, one-third larger and proportion
ately more powerful than the fine flagship
that led the way into Manila bay. ana
twelve gunboats Of q type recommended by
Admiral Dewey essential for the effec-
tive patrol OF the Philippine archipelago.
The latter class must be able 10 go out
to Manila, ,Nder their own steam. must
draw less water than any gunboat now In
the navy, must maneuver ably in tortuous
channels and, above all. must have sum-
eient protection to resist capture n
stranded.
Such vessels are intended to replace the
smaller gunboats. which. in several in
stances. have proved unable 10 take care OF
themselves when attacked In force. al
though frequently demonstrating their
ability In the prevention Of Illicit traffic be-
tween the islands, carried on by small ma
tive craft.
This is the programme now under consid-
Grafton by the navy board OF construction,
which was detailed by Secretary Long sew
eral weeks ago to study the needs OF the
navy and TO submit recommendations for
required additions TO the fleet.
At a meeting Of the board today the
members were disposed to divide the gun
boats equally into two classes, one OF loo
tons. about the displacement Of tho Wheel
ing and the Marietta. and the other OF
800 tens. which will make them smaller than
any Of the steel vessels In the regular navy
although larger than the Gloucester and
other converted yacht gunboats. For both
these classes of gunboats ma ximum
draushts OF eight feet Is regarded as Inn
peraiive. which Is nearly four feet less
than that of the Helena and wilmington.
which were designed particularly for river
service. and which. up to this time. are
the lightest draught vessels In the service
The proposed improved Olympias repre-
sent type that was recommended 10 con-
gress last year. but which was crowded
out by the authorization OF three battle
ships, three large armored cruisers ard six
cruisers OF 2.5oo tons. The new cruisers
are To be OF $3.50 tons each and are to have
the bow turret and battery Arrangement.
which has proved 20 admirable an arrange
ment in the Olympia, the extra 1900 tons
being devoted 10 increased coal carrying
capacity and engine space and radius Of
action and heavier guns.
The board has shown some hesitaney
about recommending further increass OF
aruored vessels at tAe present time, az
six higher powered and larger arTnorsd
vessels than have yet bern built for the
navy were authorized by the last congress
and have not yet been designed, and be-
cause Slpo tons Of armor are required for
vessels already authorized an amour,
which can scarcely be delivered In less
than four years after Its manufacture be-
gins.
The necessity OF more first-ciass armorwd
cruisers Is however. fully recognized. and
the board today favored three Of about Ia
60 tons displacement. Of a type involving
no marked departures from the BROOKLYN
In arrangements. though ct double that
vessels power and tonnage and defensive
qualities. At least one nf the members
favored more formidable weasel, co-nlyin-
ing the Salien: features OF tn. best cruisers
and haf.ieshfps abroad which Is described
as The Terrible. Horrible. Damnahse,'
class, and this will have further consldsra-
ton tomorrow
Every member Of the board was en-
phafic for shesthing and coppsrsnx ali
these vessels, 10 render them comparative
- independent Of dry docks.