Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-02-20
PASSED NAVAL BILL
PROVISION FOR SUBMARINE TOR
PEDo BOATS ADOPTED.
Three New Battle Ships, One Armored
Cruiser, Two Steel Training Ships
and Wooden Brig Authorized.

At the end of protracted session the
House yesterday afternoon passed the ma
val appropriation bill. A great many
amendments were offered TO the PROVISIONS
relating to the increase of the personnel
and the authorization of new ships to be
built. The most important amendment
adopted was one to authorize the Secretary
of the Navy, in his discretion, to purchase
or contract for submarine torpedo boats
after investigation OF their merits, and APP
propriating 100000 for that purpose. The
amendment was in the language Of bill
introduced by Mr.. Hill Comm. and 1t was
stated on the floor that 1t had the support
of all the members of the naval committee.
1t was adopted practically without debate.
The words authorizing the construction of
the new ships by contract were stricken
out. AS passed the bill provides for three
new battle ships. one armored cruiser, two
steel training ships and one wooden brig
for training purposes, in addition to the
submarine boats dlscretionarily authorized.
The increase in the personnel of the navy
went through as reported by the commit
tee, an effort to limit the increase to two
midshipmen for each senator and represen-
tative to the period between now and 1911
having been voted down.
Submarine Torpedo Boats.
Mr.. Tayler Ohio, on behalf of the naval
committee. offered an amendment author
ling the Secretary of the Navy, in his dis
oretion to expend 100000 for submarine
torpedo boats tested and found to be ac-
ceptable to the navy.
Mr.. Tayler said the amendment had the
approval of every member of the committee.
1t was not in the interest of any particular
submarine boat.
why did not the committee report the
provisions in the bill if it was acceptabe
TO all the Inembers?" asked Mr.. Thayer
Mass.
Because it was only agreed upon today"
answered Mr.. Tayler.
Rather late" observed Mr.. Thayer.
Pacific Coast Shipbuilding.
Mr.. Cushman wash) offered an amend
ment authorizing one of the battle ships
or cruisers authorized by the bill to be
built at a yard the Pacific coast, unless
the bid therefor was four per cent in excess
of bids for ships of the same class to be
built elsewhere. The amendment led to
considerable debate. Mr.. Cushman declar-
ed that the only independent ship building
concern in the United States outside of the
trust capable of building battle ship was
at Seattle.
The amendment was ruled out on point
of order.
By unanimous consent the provision which
had gone out on point of order authoriZ
Ing the Secretary of the Navy to construct
the ships in government yards in the event
of a combination of bidders was restored.
Mr.. Gaines CTenn.) raised a point of or
der against the appropriation of s1O,OOO.OOO
for domestic armor, but 1t was overruled.
This is said Mr.. Gaines, commenting on
the ruling of the chair and addressing the
republican side 1.-The foulest trust you ever
pressed TO your BOSOM daughter on the
republican side.)
There were no further amendments and
the committee rose and the naval appro-
priation bill was passed.
At $50 the House adjourned