Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1900-11-30
TIE UNITED STATES NAVY.
Secretary John D. Long Transmits
to the President a Report of
His Department.
CONGRESS ASKED FOR A BIG SUN.
nGr. Leng Estimates for the Next Two
Years the cum OF o1B2.3O3, $40 VIII
Bo Needed. of Which o4S,OOO,OOO L.
for New Bastleshtps and o2O.0OO.000
for Docks and Yardago.

Washington, Nov. 27-Secretary of
the Navy John d. Long has submitted
his report to President Mckinley. In
part he says:
The fleet on the Asiatfc station has CO.
operated with the army in the Philip
pines. transporting and conveying ships,
patrolling 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 on Illicit
trade with and among the islands. The
cordially which has characterized the re-
lations of the army and navy is shown
by numerous reports from officers on
duty in the Philippines. and alike cred
fable 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 it expedient to augment the
force in that quarter. The commander
fn-chief of the Asiatic station, Rear Adj
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, II
necessary, in quarters distant from the
Philippines. Almost Immediately there
after circumstances made it necessary to
maintain a separate force in Chinese wa
tiers, and the junior rear admiral was or
dered to proceed with a squadron to Ia
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-
partment is seriously embarrassed by lack
OF necessary officers to properly man
vessels required for immediate service.
This need will be still greater when ves-
sells authorized or building are completed
ready for commission. The report of the
bureau of navigation represents that 1t
would be impossible at the present time
to man our available fleet were an emer-
gency to occur demanding such action.
Attention is earnestly invited to the de-
tailed suggestions eof 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
ippinen Islands. When the Oregon
grounded last summer In Chinese waters,
through the courtesy of the Japanese
government the use of the dock at Kure,
Japan, was secured. Aside from dirtct
considerations of economy and conven-
fence, 1t is important that this govern
ment should have. under it's own control
and always at command, in time of war
as Well as OF peace, Su1uC1enC docking
facilities to meet the requirements of the
feet In far eastern waters. The depart
ment has accordingly appointed board
to examine into and report, for submission
to congress. upon the best and most avail
able site for a naval station and dry dock
In the Philippine islands. The purchase
from the government of Spain, for sum
not to exceed $275, 900 of the 10OO0-ton
steel floating dry dock at Habana, Cuba,
was authorized by act of June z, 1900.
The government Of Spain having ex-
pressed it's readiness to sell this dock to
the United States for the sum of $780,
900 In gold, a board has been appointed to
make a careful inspection Of it, prelim-
lnary to final decision in regard to it's
purchase.
The long period, Ave years. for which
recruits entering the marine corps are
required to bind themselves to serve, pre-
sents an obstacle to enlistment. The ma
itary service having f1ve-year enlistments.
the army term being three years and that
of the navy four years. A four-year en-
ustment would permit OF six months in
Gtruction. followed by a three years
cruise and concluding with six months
shore duty, thus allowing sufficient time
for proper drills and q full cruise during
one enlistment.
For the years 1901 and 1902 appropria-
tions aggregating $152 303, 546 are asked. OF
this vast sum, SIS. 000. 900 Is for pay Of the
navy: 100000 for the bureau of ord
nance: $S,000.000 for the bureau Of equip
ment; SO. 000, 900 for yards and docks; $14, :
100000 for construction and repair: $4S,-
100000 for new battleships and cruisers
and $1,000. 900 for an armor factory.