The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-09-06
CANNOT FINISH SHIPS
WORK ON WAR VESSELS DELAYED
BY SCARCITY OF STEEL.
Extension of Time Asked by Build
ers-Exchange of Compliments by
Mckinley and the Kaiser.

WASHINGTON, Sept. 5. The Navy
Department is beginning to feel seriously
the effect of the heavy advance in the steel
market. To-day the shipbuilding firm of
Lally e. Co., of Boston, asked a years ex-
tension from Oct. / in building the torpedo
boats Delong and Blakely, now under con-
struction in their yards. The Nixons, at
Elizabethport, N. j., who are building the
torpedo boats Nicholson and O'Brien, have
stated to naval officials that ii is impos-
sible to get forgings and struts, and ii is
expected they will have to ask an extern
sion. There are twelve of the torpedo boats
and destroyers under construction in vari-
Gus yards and all are affected by the steel
famine and the heavy prices. so that 1t is
expected extensions will be asked on all of
these craft.
The prospect is that the bids on the six
protected cruisers. to be opened on Nov. /,
will be much higher than was expected
when the appropriation for them was made.
1t is roughly estimated that the steel in
hulls has advanced about so per cent. in
engines, 40 per cent; in boilers. 30 per cent,
and that the average advance on all classes
of steel used in ships is about 80 per cent.
The Engineering Bureau has also felt that
the advance, not only In increased prices,
but IN an inability TO get material ana
buildings inside the limit fixed by Con-
gress. On recent purchase, of electric
cranes the advance was found to be about
% per cent In the contracts for material
for the power plant at New York the in
crease ranged from 80 to GO per cent, the
latter applying to engines.
The Bureau of Yards and Docks Is I'M
able to proceed with number of building
to the advance in steel. This is the case
as to the large buildings at the New York
navy yards, all the bids being in excess of
the amount allowed by Congress. The same
ordnance League
island navy yard, Philadelphia, and of sew
eral lesser projects. Civil Engineer Cunning
says structural steel has advanced 100 per
cent. and in some cases 300 per cent.
nance. 'r saws ordnance Is about about the only
branch not affected by the rise in steel.
Gun metal is used only by the army and
navy, so there is no commercial demand to
send up the prices.
The industrial committee commission re-
convened to-day. but heard no witnesses.
The commission decided to authorize the
attendance Of Prof. jerks and one men,
Der Of each of it's subcommittee at the
trust conference Of the Civic Federation, to
be held in Chicago. beginning on the 18th
adoption Of a resolution, which also
amounted to instructions to the delegates.
is to be 7'for the purpose of seeking infor-
nation on the trust question, but not to
bind this commission as to any findings. of
the conference on Industrial, commercial,
labor and transportation combinations, and
in no way to express any official opinion OF
this commission" Mr.. Rockefeller has in
formed the commission that Ii will be i'm
possible for him to be in attendance on the
committee during the present week. 1t is
city Derrick and b. A. Matthews. manager
for the Standard Oil Company at Column
bus, o., will be heard tomorrow.
The signing of the parcels post conven-
ton between the United States and Ger
many, on Aug. 20, has been made the occa-
sion of an agreeable interchange of courte-
sizes between the two governments. The
German Emperor conveyed, on the 2ath,
through the German special envoy, Mr..
Mumm Won Schwartzenstein. his high graf
ifcatfon at the conclusion OF the conven-
ton and his f thanks to the United
ing about this important result. The Presi-
dent has responded by requesting the Ger
sincere appreciation of his Majesty's mes
sage and his reciprocation of the kindly
sentiments expressed. together with the as
surance of his own great satisfaction in
having been thus instrumental in adding
another link to the chain of friendship and
close commercial interests that unites the
TWO countries.
Mr.. Buchanan, United States minister to
the Argentine Republic. has arrived in
Washington on leave. Of absence from his
post. -
The Civil-service Commission announces
that an examination will be held Oct 4 at
Michigan City, Ind, for the positions of
clerk and carrier in the postoffice in that
city. 49,
Jacob Covert, of Indiana, was to-day re-
instated as composition in the Government
Printing Office. -
Captain Franciso Dickins, assistant chief
of the Navigation Bureau. has been ordered
to assume command of the battIeship In
diana, relieving Captain Taylor Command
er Cowles will succeed Captain Dickins in
the Navigation Bureau.
The amount Of gold certificates withdrawn
from the treasury TO date in exchange for
gold coin Is $il,665,c50 The amount of net
gold in the treasury continues TO increase
and to-day, with $249. 6,254, exceeds all
previous records.
Representative Faris left for Indiana to-
night. He has been in New York and spent
to-day here making the circuit of the de-
partnents on routine matters in behalf OF
his constituency. -
Tc-day's statement of the condition of the
treasury shows: Available cash balances.
gold o.