New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-06-13
ARMY And NAVY NEUS.
IFRoM THE TRIBUNE BUREAU


Washington. June u
\ TROUBLESOME ANT.-The army quarterrnas-
ters in the Philippines report great devastation
wrought by the pestferous white ant of the ISL
ands- Hardly anything is exempt from the ravages
OF the insect. against which there be no
protection This week there arrived at the War
Department specimen of the damage done by the
ant at OF the qUartermaster depots. where a
quantity % canvas leggings destroyed. All
that remained OF a dozen pairs Of that article Of
military apparel brittle mass. which looked
If it had passed through the fire. There was no
resemblance 10 the original articles The has a
special liking for tents and helmets. and the
terial attacked by these troublesome insects is
ruined beyond redemption. An examination is now
being made IN the Philippines ascertain the ex-
tent Of the damage resulting from the invasion Of
the ant. No has any idea Just how much army
clothing and equipment has been ruined in the last
few years hut u is sUrmIsed that the loss Is con-
b in tor9q a. qysriSs suats IN tR Islands n
protection against the insects II has now been
decided TO pack all army material which IS destined
metically sealed before they leave United States
gtugs and other military equipment can De saved
from the destructive operations o. the white ant
NAVAL GOLFERS There viii be no special de-
lay I'm the completion of the two Golfers for the
navy authorized by the last Congress To be built at
navy yards. one on the Atlantic and the other on
the Pacific coast. Il will necessary 10 ask Con
Varatus for the construction or these ships. prob
ably Norfolk aud Mare Island. where, II is est-
mated SlCoCoo will be required each place in the
way OF preparation. II will be some time before
the naval constructors complete the plans for the
golfers. and Of the officers inclined 10 be
lieye the work is in the line OF private ship
builders than that OF the government plants. The
only advantage likely 10 be derived from having
the GOLFERS built at the navy yards Is in the oppor
tUnity FOR experimenting with the coal handling
appliances with which the COlliers Will be equipped
THIS work. however. could be done at navy yard
say the constructors. while the rest OF the con-
structiOn might better be done under contract
OPPOSITION TO PLANT CONSOLIDATION
There is much opposition the concentration Of
three power plants Charleston. $ O.. that Sec
rotary Moody is expected to refrain from approving
the plans for such project. The chief constructor
Of the navy believes that there should be at least
two power plants at Charleston. so as 10 provide
protection in case OF nre. The destruction OF the
only power plant a navy ward. he has pointed
the entire yard out Of commission. and would esult
in the interruption OF important work for a long
period. IL was intended that the single power
plant proposed al Charleston should be built as
nearly HreproOf as was possible. and that no eN-
pense should be spared 10 that end. The economy
OF the scheme has been urged in its favor, but the
chief constructor holds 10 the view that the danger
Of depending upon only one power plant offsets any
sue Gel