The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1905-02-23
THE NAVAL BILL PASSED
ApprOpriates $oo,oI4,35o and Pro-
vides For Two Battleships.
THE MlDVALE ARhoR BID

Secretary Morton Sends Statement to
House Why 1t Was Rejected and
Work Given to the Bethlehem Com
pany.
Washington. Feb 2l - The house
after seyen-hOur session passed the
naval appropriation bill, carrying a
total of S9g,9l4.359. The provision for
two battleships. as reported by the
committee on naval affairs, was re-
tanned. Both the majority and minor
itv were badly divided over the propo-
sition. at least 40 members OF the lat
Ter going over 20 the Republicans,
while about an equal number Of Re
publicans voted in opposition. Several
important changes in the bill were
made. The proposed increase OF lZOO
men and officers for the Marine corps
was stricken out. as was also the pro-
vision authorizing the construction OF
collier somewhere else than at the
Mare Island navy yard in California.
In order 10 do the work better an item
OF Si75. 900 was inserted for the proper
equipment Of the Mare Island yard.
Secretary Morton has transmitted TO
the house a statement on the subject
~ the cancellation Of the armor con-
tract with the Midyale Steel company
Of December -, 1903. and Of the re-
lection of the bid Of that company,
February :. 1905. I'm response TO a re-
zen, resolution of that body. The state
utnt is made mp OF an explanation by
y f. Mason. chief OF ordnance.
with reference 10 the cancellation
IF the contract. # is stated that the
navy department would have become
liable 10 ship contractors for claims
Tor DELAY if the action had not been
aiken. The Midyale people were con-
suited and expressed willingness
10 accede 10 the bureaus tentative sug-
sestion." and thereupOn the proper
steps were taken relinqushing the
contract and 10 provide for the con-
struction OF the armor by the Bethle-
hem company.
In letter from the Midyale com
pany relnquishing the contract. the
statement is made. And the company
in making this REIMBURSEMENT does
not i'm any way recognize or admit its
inability to furnish the tonnage relin-
luished in ample time for the require
ments Of the ship builders. But II
takes this action in the line OF the
policy which it has always adopted in
lis relations with the government. not
10 permit any consideration OF private
advantage to be- considered by II that
might in any way embarrass tine de-
partment or cause the department TO
become involved in unfortunate COM
plications with shipbuilders."
In addition TO the question Of facill-
ties considered by the board in making
its recommendation. the bureau in
yites attention to the inadyisability OF
awarding to the Midyale Steel company
a further contract for armOr until that
company has demonstrated its ability
10 manufacture suitable armOr under
its existing contract at the rate that is
required.
while the Midvale Steel company
has submitted trial plates that have
successfully withstood the required
bailistic tests. it has not yet COM
menced the regular production Of ar
NOR in quantity and the bureau does
not deem that the production Of the
trial plates submitted is such a guar
anty that the company can produce
suitable armor in the quantities re-
quired as would warrant the depart
ment at this time to award 10 that
company a further contract for armor."