Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1907-07-02
From Washington

OIu w ttOlAlhS tOh
Correspondence of the Alexandria Gazette. J
Washington, July ..
Carrying out a general policy which
was planned over year sgo the Navy
Department is preparing to increase the
strength of the American fleet iu the
Pacific. 10 the course of the next year
or two, it is probable that large part OF
the magnificent fleet Of sixteen battle
ships, recently gathered together in
Hampton Roads, under the command Of
Rear Admiral Evans, will be transferred
to Paci ic waters. In mailing this move,
it is stated, there is no menace intended
to anybody and it is pointed out that no
country would be justified 10 feeling APP
prehensions on the subject, unless she,
herself, had sinister designs against the
United States. The movement cannot
begin until next year, as far as the bat
tleships are concerned, although, as an
nounced yesterday, the two big ar
mored cruisers, the Washington and
Tennessee, are under orders to proceed
to the Pacific coast this summer.
Coming 80 closely on the heels OF recent
reports of friction between the United
States and Japan, the announcement of
the naval plans has naturally been as
ISOLATED with the possibility of trouble
with that country. 1t would be idle to
deny, of course, that in formulating the
plans the recent rise of Japan to the
position OF first class power 10 the far
East was taken into consideration But
the move, according to the highest su-
thority, is more directed against Japan
than against any other of the powers
whose interest are big in the Pacific. The
interests of the United States in that
ocean have increased enormously since
the Spanish.American war. For years
military experts have been pointing out
the necessity for detection of those
interests, but Congress has persist
emily refused to supply funds with
which to supply the Philippines.
There is only one bsttleship now in
active service on the Pacific coast. That
is the Nebraska, which is just going
into commission. The Oregon and Wiz
cJnsin, which are also on the coast, are
undergoing extensive repairs. There
will be, after the Washington and
Tennessee arrive in the falk two divisions
of swift armor6d cruisers in Pacific
waters, but it is felt to be desirable that
there should also be strong guard Of
battleships to support them in case Of
necessity. Gradually they will be sent.
They will go, one or two at time.
There will be no setting sail of a vast
armament. But in the course OF the
next few years, The Pacific feet will be
built up, until it can afford proper pro-
lection TO the interests of the United
States in that part of the world. There
is no war scare in Washington. The
United States is on friendly terms with
all the world, including the government
of Japan.
Once for all time the Interstate Com
MERGE Commission has settled down in
a final attempt to solve some OF the Har-
rimsn problems. Special Counsel Kel-
lOgg is today holding conference with
the members of the commission having
come on from St. Paul for this purpose.
1t is believed that an announcement will
be made in the next few hours IS to the
final determinations of the commission
in regard to bringing Of the the suit in
the federal courts of southern New York
to compel Hartman TO answer contain
question regarding his railroad transac-
tons. 1t is known that there is tend
ency among one or two members Of the
commission, at least, to foregO this suit,
if it is decided that there is not sufficient
evidence, without that which might be
obtained forcibly to prosecute Hartman.
Secretary of War Taft has decided to
practically close up the Offices of tire
Panama canal commission 10 this city.
1t is announced today that Secretary
Jos. Bucklin Bishop, appointed Crgi-
nally at salary Of $40, 900 a year to
act as historian and press agent Of the
commission, and who has been in charge
of the Washington Offices since the resigv
nation of Shonts will remove TO the
isthmus as soon az he can make the
necessary arrangements, leaving here
merely fraction Of the expensive Or
ganizqtion which has been maintained
heretofore. The change, while increas
ing efficiency, is expected to save $780,
900 year.
The bureau of statistics of the Agri
cultural Department estimates the aver
age condition of cotton on June 25, at
1870 per cent. as compared with 20. 8 on
May %, 1907; 1913 on June 26, 1906;
no at the corresponding date in 1905
and ten year average Of SS.2.
Sir Cheng- Tung Lisng Chen, the
Chinese Minist here, who has just
been transferred to an important posi-
ton in the Chinese For ,ign Office, called
at the State Department today to
take his leave of the officials, AMI to intro luce
NJ. Chow Tszchi, ;he first secretary Of the
! CATION, who will act as charge d'aflairs until
the RI val Of the new Minister Sir Cheng-
TuDg lie lves here tomorrow.
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