The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1904-02-23
MORE SHIPS FOR ORIENT.
U. q. Naval Fleet to Be strengthened
in Asiatic Waters.

washington, Feb. 23.-Naval officials
are considering earnestly the strength
ening of the American Asiatic feet, in
view of the vast interests of this eoun-
try in the Philippines and China and
Korea and the probability that disturb
ances may necessitate their protection
at any time. AT the same time that the
fleet is regarded as too small there is
desire to avoid exciting the suspicion of
the old world powers lest this govern
ment may be put in the false light of in
terfering in the eastern struggle, not
withstanding our declaration of abso-
lutte neutrality. A high naval officer
said:
The need OF increasing the Asiatic
fleet has been long felt. 1t was intended
that sthe new battleship Ohio, being
built at the Union Iron works, San
Francisco, should be sent to the Asiatic
station in the spring and that she
should be followed there by the armor-
ed cruiser South Dakota and the pro-
tected cruiser Milwaukee as soon as
these vessels are completed. The Ohio,
however, will not be ready before au-
tumn, and we are now considering the
dispatch within the next month or two
of an additional battleship. 1t has been
suggested that the Iowa be selected for
this mission, but no decision has been
reached. She is now receiving rush re-
pairs at the New York navy yard.
I'm addition the Tacoma, which was
commissioned short time ago and is
getting ready for sea, has been tenta-
lively selected to go to Asia as the re-
lief of one of the vessels of the cruiser
squadron, but under present circum-
stances it is probable none Of the cruis-
er squadron will be brought home now,
however many ships are added to it.
1t also has been suggested that the New
York, now at Panama, be returned to
the Asiatic station and that she make
the cruise with the Tacoma. This is I'M
decided, and the uncertainty of the
Panama situation, together with the
fact that the New York is due for
thorough overhauling rather initiates
against sending that vessel to join Ad
miral Evans fleet.
so rapidly are events in the far east
moving that it is impossible to say one
day what move on the ASiatic station
the next days development may de-
mand. It was originally suggested that
the battleShip squadron go up to Che
foo, but this was not approved and an
order was issued for the battleShips to
remain in Philippine water and for the
cruiser squadron to assemble at Shang-
hal. Repairs to the valves of the Ken
lucky, the flagship of the Asiatic sta
ton, however, have necessitated the
be locked, and it is probable the other
ships of the squadron, the battleships
Oregon and Wisconsin will accompany
her, meantime the cruisers will be used
to keep in communication with our
agents at Newchwang, Chefoo, Che
mulpo and Seoul.
Rear Admiral Evans has cabled the
navy department expressing wish to re-
main in the far, east for the present in
the event that the Kentucky is not to be
brought home when repaired. He feels
that the situation is extremely impor-
rant there and for this reason offers to
remain, although his time of sea duty is
up next month and the plan is for him to
return to New York in his flagship. The
department has cabled his leaving the
matter entirely to his judgment and the
announcement was made tonight by a
high official that the department had ev-
cry confidence in the wisdom of Admiral
Evans decision 1t is expected the dock
ing of the Kentucky will show just what
repairs the ship needs, and it was said
tonight that she may be on her way home
within two weeks. The Kentucky would
come by way of Suez. making the usual
stops.
In the event that Admiral Evans de-
cides to return now orders will be issued
Immediately assigning him to the presi-
dency of the light house board. Rear
Admiral Philip H. Cooper, now COM
handing the cruiser squadron of the Ash
attic fleet, will be named as the successor
of Admiral Evans in supreme command
of the station, and in turn will be sue
ceeded by Rear Admiral Yates Sterling,
now commanding the Philippine squad
ron, the command of that squadron being
taken bV Rear Admiral w. M. FOlger.