New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-01-03
ARMY AND NAVY NEWS.
IFRoM THE rRIsuyE euRnAu.l

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AROUSED BY \ NEW RULE-War and Navy
Department officials greatly wrought up over
a policy adopted by the Treasury Department re-
Quring that unexpended balances OF annual appro-
prtations be repaid INTO the Treasury soon
practicable after the close OF the fiscal year for
which they were made and that accounts and
claims against the government payable from such
appropriations and remaining outstanding three
months after the close of the fiscal year IN which
they accrued will be adjusted by the proper
counting officers and paid by warrant by the Sec
rotary OF the Treasury. This ruling has been the
Root and secTetary MOODY in mild protest
against the practice which finds hand in both
departments large number OF these outstand-
ing claims and accounts held by contractors as
well as by army ana navy officers who have dis
oursed money IN behalf Of the government or have
expended out OF their resources for such items
tied by the War and Navy departments the dis
charge Of the obligation was matter Of only a
forthcoming AIreadv since December Is there is
an accumulation OF several hundred vouchers
which must go to the auditor for settlement. Added
respondencs in Strengthening out the numerous
questions involved in every account doubts which
Department before there can be final settlement.
appropriations discussed by officers on duty be-
ter. say the War and Navy Department people. TO
any extent; They foresee. much trouble; dissats-
have financial relations with the government
been completed IN the Bureau Of Navigation for
covered rifle and revolver gallery for the Brooklyn
Navy Yard. This is IN accordance with the general
scheme devised by the general board for the I'M
provement of naval Workmanship and is preliu1i-
nary the target practice shipboard. where the
opportunity for work with small arms is neces-
sarly limited. The problem for these rife ranges
a number OF the principal navy yards and sta
lions Is OF difficult solution OF local con-
dtions since at the larger establishments precsu-
ha faI.aT for ~
the vicinity. This makes it necessary to construct
island. Penn. an open range NAV be built. pans
for the latter range contemplate Of six hundred
Xnohe range viii be Sut at Noro I Ranges
are already under construction at Mare Island.
tion at Newport R. L u has been decided not TO
there is not sufficient room for such a feature
EVANS IN A SQUABBLFs-Rear Admiral r d.
Evans in command of the naval force in Asiatic
waters was rebuked by the Navy Department
some months He has replied in inter
estng rejolnder in defence Of his original action
which called forth departmental expression. Last
January Admiral Evans cabled to Washington the
information that the naval station at Olongapo
detericrating and required immediate attention
In the way of repairs. He asked for allotment
of $4,000 the expenditure of which he requested
should be authorized by cable The request
declined by wire. and in a letter which followed
Admiral Evan. told that the Washington au-
thorities perceived reason why such repairs
should be requested by cable granted by cable,
II being understood that these buildings have
been standing for years. and viii probably
continue TO stand until a request for repairs can
be made in the regular course setting forth spe-
cinc reason therefor" Rear Admiral Evans in his
reply. says:
NV predecessor in chief command. Rear Admiral
T. r. Harris. u S. N. as the cOmmandant of tho
station at Olongapo, but the department would
not authorize appropriation for the mainten-
snce of the station for outfit. make
provision of any kind fer the commandant. felt
that il hardly proper to keep officer in
command of station In the welfare of which so
little interest was shown and compel him to remain
on duty where his services were in consequence OF
a lack of money and men. useless far i'm
provernent and preservation were concerned. and
therefore detached Commander Harris and as
signed him to duty elsewhere. The same remarks
apply Port Isabella at which place the Spaniards
maintained navy yard suitable for the repair OF
gunboats and small vessels. together with a marine
railway for docking purposes Port Isabella. like
Olongapo has since the control of the Philippines
was turned TO the United States. been al
lowed go to ruin, and the government property
there other than real estate has become. through
decay and neglect. practically valueless the de-
partnent not permitting the OF even a small
appropriation necessary for repairs preservation
The naval station at Pollok is in somewhat better
condition by reason of limited appropriation
allowed from time 10 time for the building of q
coal shed and pier. together with very small
sum OF money which the cOmmandant at that
keep Pollok a slightly better state than the
neglected stations at Olongapo and Isabella The
small drydock Pollok is capable of taking YES
sells UP 10 six feet in draught, and have directed