The times., 1899-10-27
Actinn hr Cnngress Neeled.

Action by Congress Needed.
"The bureau urges that the matter be
laid before Congress, as soon as it as
sembles, and that it be urgently requested
to make such provision in the early days of
the session. by joint resolution or otherwise,
as viii enable the department to make
contracts not later than January, 1900,
for the best quality Of armor that can be
obtained for the three vessels of the Maine
class; also for the six armored vessels au-
thorized by the act of March g. 1899, remov-
ing the restriction therein contained, which
provides that the vessels shall not be con-
tracted for until the armOr therefor is con
t1acted for. and that limiting the price OF
armor to $500 per ton for the vessels au-
thorized by that act.
The question Of a Government armoT
factory should have no bearing upon the
supply Of armer for the Maine, Ohio. and
Missouri, as il would, under any ciTcum-
stances, be impTacticable 10 obtain it from
such a source in tine TO complete the yes
sells above referred to.
The bureau considers it incumbent upon
il 10 recommend the use of the best armor
that can be procured for the new vessels,
and that TO consent TO the use Of any but
the best without protest or an urgent ap-
peal, would be a serious dereliction Of duty
favored the making Of contracts, under eX-
isting conditions, for armor for the three
vessels Of the Maine class until the matter
could again be presented 10 Congress. Nc
detrimeIJ or Inconvenience TO the Govern
ment OF its interests has bzeu caused by this
delay; but as previously stated. armor for
the above three vessels should be contracted
for by January 1906
II, after a further presentation OF the
case, Congress decides TO adhere to the pres
ent limitation the department viii prob
ably be obliged to procure armor similar
10 that heretofore and now being used, but
viii have the consciousness of having per
formed its duty in the matter and will be
free from further responsibility.
1T is quite evident that the building OF
armcred ships Of war must soon be discon-
tinued by this Government until the yexed
questions OF the source OF supply and cost
of aTmor are disposed Of"
The Washington Gun Factory.
The naval gun factory in Washington is
thus commented on:
"It has been engaged in the manufac-
ture OF guns and mounts, turret fittings,
and miscellaneous articles pertaining to
the ordnance outfits Of naval vessels, for
details of which the report Of the Super
iutendent Of the Naval Gun Factory. here
with. should be read
During the past year many improve
ments Of an important character have been
made and the facilities OF the establish
ment have been greatly increased. Most
Of these Improvements were projected and
all were executed by the officer in charge
who possesses exceptional talent for such
work. and by whose untiring energy, abil-
ity. and excellent judgment they have been
effected.
"A new machine shop of frst-cIass con-
struction, fully equipped with the best ma
chnery that could be procured, and cleo
trically operated, has been completed and
is now in use for miscellaneous work
such as mounts for small guns, torpedo
launching apparatus, etc Il is a valuable
acquisition 10 the establishment The