Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-04-14
Japan's Naval Program.

Japan naval 1IoSIdlu
Toxic message states that the follow
ing are the principal warships to be built
in the course of the japanese governments
naval construction program, which is to
be carried out during seven years a a cost
of yen 76,5OOOO0:
Two battleships, one armored cruiser, two
cruisers. three destroyerS of large type,
four destroyers, and two submarines. With
regard to the construction of vessels to
take the place of those which were lost in
the war, or which have been put on the
reserve list as obsolete, the vessels which
have so far been built for these purposes,
or which are now being built, are as fol-
lows
Two battleshps the Satsuma and AlxD,
three armored cruisers (the Tsukuba,
Ikoma,. and kurama), two second-class
cruisers (the Tone and another), and two
boats Ohe Yodo and MogamD.
Three Big Guns for Army.
Gen. Crozier chief of ordnance of the
army, has arranged to build three IA
inch guns. for which there are funds avail
able These represent new caliber of
coast defense armament, being the sue
cessor of the Pinch gun, and in the line
of substitution of the larger caliber for
the smaller, previously recommended. or
the three guns which will be built two
will be constructed on the built-up prfn-
ciple and one according to the wre-wound
system. The decision TO build at least one
of the 14-inch guns on the wire-Wound prln-
ciple marks a revolution in the construction
of armament, and 1t is predicted may even
tually lead to the abandonment of the
buit-up principle.
Tour of Foreign Service.
Gen Bell, chief of staff has notified the
army that the tour of duty in the Philip
pines division of all staff officers will be two
WIT of off will ha fyun
years, as nearly as practicable, counting
from the date of arrival in that division to
the date of departure therefrom.
Examinations for Naval Academy.
Examinations will be held April IL at
numerous cities and towns throughout the
United States under the auspices of the
civil service commission, for admission to
the Naval Academy. This is the first of the
two examinations to be held; the second is
to occur in June at Annapolis. In the ex-
aminations of April 16 the Navy Depart
ment has authorized 532 principals and al
ternates to appear before the commission at
various places. OF this number 1O5 are to
be examined in Washington city, thirty in
Brooklyn, sixteen in Boston. twelve in
Pittsburg, twelve at Wiliamsport, Pa, and
eleven in Dallas, Tex.
Five New Destroyers.
The Navy Department will shortly call
for proposals for the construction of five
torpedo boat destroyers authorized by re-
cent acts of Congress. The plans for these
vessels call for sustained speed of twenty
eignt knots an hour, on the theory that
destroyer of such capacity Is more efficient
than one capable of bursts of speed up to
thirty knots or more. The destrOyers will
be equipped with turbines, and will prob
ably be fitted to burn oil instead of coal,
as that will result in saving of weight an
important factor in the efficiency of the
type.
Cannot Lend Coats to Ladies.
An official report has reached the War
Department in regard to the reported action
of the commandant of the cadets at the
U. s. Military Academy against the prac-
tice of cadets loaning their overcoats to
ladies to protect them from the elements.
According to this report the academic
board has concluded to put stop to the
promiscuous loaning of the uniform, on
the ground that whatever sentiment may
attach to such use of the cadets over
coats it is contrary to the regulations. It
Is stated that no hardships were imposed
in the recent instance and no protests were
expressed to the authorities, either from
those who were bereft of the borrowed gar
ments or from those who were guilty" of
fhof form, Of hocpfaIifu Tho oodat, -