The Portland daily press., 1900-10-22

that when such ships of war are to be
constructed, every part going into them
Is of American production?"
Passing to brief mention of the more
Important matter and measures with
the adoption of which the bureau of con-
struction and repair has been Identified
during Admiral Hichborn's incumben-
cy. brief mention is made OF the work of
OF the historical Hart
ford, and the efforts looking to the re-
Mobilization of the renowned Constitu-
tion; the constrovery in which the chief
constructor prevented useless expendi-
lures of the public money for aluminium
torpedo boats after legislative authority
for such construction had been especial
ly sought and obtained; his consistent
advocacy of sheathing the inclined tur-
rets, known at one time as the Hioh
born turret, the principle of which has
been adopted his efforts in the direction
of reduction Of wood and the fire proofng
of such as remained on board the ship
and the good results accomplished; the
encouragement of submarine vessels and
the important addition of efficient YES
sells of this class to the navy which has
resulted, are touched upon, as are also
the effects of the care and study devoted
to conveniences adding to the creature
comforts OF both officers and enlisted
men.
The report opens with the estimates,
the principal items being: For preserva-
tion of and repairs to vessels of the navy,
81. 900, 600; for repairs and Improvements
to navy yard plants, 1920, 600; the ac-
count of hulls and outfits of vessels and
steam machinery heretofore authorized,
$sl, ,77s, OF.
The chief constructor points out the
disadvantages under which the naval sta
tion at Cayite labors; and devotes a re-
port from the naval constructor relative
to proposed site at Olongapo, Subig
Bay. He withholds recommendation
thereon until the question Of permanent
naval station in the philippines is dsf-
n1tely 4 settled. Especial attention is
placed upon the need for additional dry
docks He says:
"There are available at the present
time on the east coast OF the United
States but nine government dry docks
of all sizes distributed among seven
ports, and Of these but one Is of sufficient
size to take the battleships. The dock
ing facilities available are severely taxed
under existing peace conditions. This
disparity in time Of war would be an
extremely serious matter and might re-
suit in keeping a considerable portion of
our naval strength Ineffective at criti-
cal time. 1t cannot be too strongly
urged that the increase IN docking and
the repair facilities in adequate ratio to
the increase OF the feet is a necessary ele-
ment in naval development and it should
be especially emphasized In this most i'm
portant matter war requirements and
not peace requirements must ways be
kept in v1ew."
Some space is devoted to The question Of
building vessels in the navy yards. He
says:
''There are at the present time, in view
OF the prosperous condition OF the ship
building industry and the number OF
naval vessels building and appropriated
for, sufficient work to permit the assign
ment OF portion of the building work
20 the government yard without there be-
ing a question OF the withdrawal or
withholding Of necessary support and as
sistanoe, the maintenance of which in
high state of efficiency is unquestionabIy
of national Importance.
He points out that England is building
In her navy yards 16 battleships and
cruisers; France, II; Germany,8; Ru ssia,
6, and Italy, 3, in their government
yards.