The Kinsley graphic. [volume] (Kinsley, Kan.) 1890-1940, 1900-11-30
UNCLE SANS NAVY.
Secretary Long Tells of Its Prov
ess and Its Needs.
Congress Will BE Asked for o153, sos $40,
Of Which 043.0OO,OOO La for Battle
ships and $40, DOC. 900 for Docks
and YordaGe.

Washington, Nov. 27.-Secretary OF
The Navy John d. Long has submitted
ais report to President Mckinley. In
part he says:
The fleet on the Asiatic station has CO.
operated with the army in the Philip
pines, transporting and conveying ships,
patrOlling a wide area Of badly-charted
waters. sending out landing parties. and
keeping the coast clear of the enemy.
The small gunboats have been of great
value in preventing the landing of arms
for the insurgents and cutting OF Illicit
trade with and among the islands. The
cordially which has characterized the re-
lattons of the army and navy is shown
by numerous reports from officers on
duty in the Philippines, and alike cred
table to both branches Of the service.
In view of the disturbed conditions in
Asiatic waters and of the demands upon
the navy, the department early In the
year deemed 1t expedient to augment the
force in that quarter. The commander
in-chief of the Asfatic station, Rear Ad-
miral Remey, was accordingly given an
assistant, Rear Admiral Kempff, to in
sure under command Of an officer Of rank
and experience division of the fleet, if
necessary, in quarters distant from the
Philippines. Almost Immediately there
after circumstances made 1t necessary to
maintain a separate force in Chinese wa
ters and the junior rear admiral was or
dered to proceed with squadron to Ia
ku. China. When. therefore, an appeal
for help came from the legations at Pc
kin. this government not only had an adj
eQuate naval force at the nearest sea-
port town, but also was able to send for
ward Immediately force Of marines for
the protection of the United States lega-
ton.
The need of officers for sea duty is
steadily growing, and at times the de-
aYY1f ovvo sod hui oh
of necessary officers to properly man
vessels required for immediate service.
This need will be still greater when YES
sells authorized or building are completed
ready for commission. The report of the
bureau Of navigation represents that it
would be impossible at the present time
to man our available fleet were an emer-
gency to occur demanding such action.
Attention H. earnestly invited to the de-
tailed suggestions of this report and to
the statement that with the completion
Of vessels now under construction an i'm
mediate increase will be needed in the en-
listed force of not less than 5000 men.
A dry dock capable of accommodating
the largest vessels is needed in the Phil
ippine islands. When the Oregon
grounded last summer in Chinese waters,
through the courtesy of the Japanese
Japan. was secured. Aside from direct
considerations of economy and conven-
tence, 1t Is important that this govern
ment should have. under its own control
and always at command, in time of war
as well as Of peace, sufficient docking
facilities to meet the requirements of the
fleet in far eastern waters.
The long period. five years. for which
recruits entering the marine corps are
required to bind themselves to serve, pre-
sents an obstacle to enlistment. The ma
rfne corps is the only branch of the mill
itary service having five-year enlistments,
the army term being three years and that
of the navy four years. A four-year en-
listment would permit of six months in
struction. followed by a three years
cruise and concluding with six months
shore duty, thus allowing sufficient time
for proper drills and full cruise during
one enlistment.
For the years 1901 and 1902 appropria-
tons aggregating $152. 300. $40 are asked OF
this vast sum. 81, 0O0, 600 is for pay of the
navy; 100000 for the bureau of ord
nance; $S0O0,0O0 for the bureau of equip
ment; 100000 coo for yards and docks; $14,-
10000 for construction and repair; $43,-
100000 for new battleships and cruisers
and 1900, 900 for an armor factory