The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-12-03
MORE CRUISERS NEEDED
RECOMMENDATION OF CHIEF OF
THE BUREAU OF NAVIGATION.
Creation Of a General Staff In the Navy
and Appointment of Two Vice Adj
mirals Urged-DesertiOns.

WASHINGTON. Dec. 2.-The annual
port Of Admiral II. c. Taylor, chief of the
Bureau of Navigation, recommends the
creation of general staff in the navy, the
appointment of two vice admirals, one for
the Asiatic station and one for the North
Atlantic station, material increase in the
number of officers and the addition of
number of ships to the navy.
Referring to the Caribbean squadron, the
report says that the object of it's creation
is to provide at all times a force in those
waters which can proceed quickly when
ever needed to such points may demand
protection for American interests. An, in
crease in the number of cruisers form
ing the squadron to eight Is urged, five Of
an improved Olympia type and three spe-
cially constructed light draft vessels for
river work. The coast squadron. which is
planned for the naval defense of the coun-
try, should occasion require, will be used as
a reserve force to strengthen our principal
fleet in the West Indies.
Admiral Taylor calls attention to the ir-
regular character Of the training squadron,
and urges in the interests Of true economy
the building OF vessels which would be use
full In war. The construction OF eight such
vessels is recommended to be of the size
Of the San Francisco, with a sea speed Of
sixteen knots and with large coal endur-
ance, but with such reduction in arma-
ment as to be capable Of berthing a large
number Of men. For the European sta
tons six new cruisers are recommended.
On, the Asiatic station, Admiral Taylor
says the situation demands battle
ship squadron, a cruiser squadron and a
squadron OF smaller vessels.
Admiral Taylor concurs In the recommen-
dalton of Admiral Evans that the principal
naval station in the Philippines be estab-
lished at Olongapo. Sub Big bay. The re-
port says the Asiatic stations need six
cruisers of an improved Olympia type and
four cruisers of the scout. cruiser type, Of
which latter two can now be provided. 1t
also is urged that two small gunboats or
large launches be provided Immediately for
service in Chinese rivers for the protection
of Americans where the gunboatS cannot
operate. owing to their size.
Admiral Taylor expresses the opinion
that large number of cruisers will be
very necessary during the next few years.
subject Of assertions, showing that for the
] year 1903 the percentage was 1875. Among
the various reasons assigned by officers, as
well as the men themselves, he says, are
| discomfort with the food. discomforts as to
sleeping accommodations, confinement on
| board ship without frequent liberty to visit
shore, harshness I'm language and bearing
| on the part OF officers toward the crew. the
disappointment OF the recruit who believed
| that sea service was a pleasant and easy
| thing and the restless spirit existing among
| some OF the men. He estimates that the
assertions account of food, close quar-
| tiers, restricted liberty to go ashore and
/ causes incident to the men themselves. In
cluGing love OF change, at not above 9 per
cent. of the force. and says when deser-
| tons go above that percentage the depart
ment should examine closely the causes
| Tor believes that the evil of desertion in the
| coming years will show signs of a steady
though slow diminution. due to the many
alleviations which have been introduced
| and to the rewards now offered to the men
/ who remain in the service