New-York tribune., 1908-02-28
ARMY AND NAVY NEWS.
Substituting Metal for Wood on
Warships.
LFrom The Tribune Bureau.I

Washington. February q.
WOOD BECOMING sCARcE.-The naval con-
structors have about completed the revision OF 'ne
specifications for lumber. of which less ana less
Quantities are being purchased year by year Tor
naval use. This is partly due to the lact thd'
metal is coming more and more 10 be used IN tiie
structure and equipment and finish of shlps OF "'''
Another reason is that wood is getting scarce ana
especially the kind of material which must DC
used There is a proposition obtain certain types
of lumber In the Philippines in anticipation OF t"e
time when there will be greater diIncui'S even
than there is to-day In obtaining the product at
home The revision of the specifications IS heees-
sary for the benefit of those lumber dealers VINO
have been seeking government contracts 1hey
complain that the old specifications cannot De coii-
piled with. and it has been decided to place the
requirements commercial basis The naval
constructors also that some special provision
must be made for substituting metal in increasing
quantities wood in the internal fittings OF yes
sells of war. There will probably be an extension
of metal furniture although this has been done
to extent partly means of protection
against fire.
YELLOWSTONE PARK GUARDS.-Thc War
War Department has not yet taken action the
recommendation of Lieutenant General s. B. y.
Young, retired. who is duty superintendent
of the Yellowstone National Park, and has urged
that four, instead of troops of regular cavalry
be stationed in the park. No change can be made
until funds available for barracks and quarters
and it is doubtful if the War Department makes
any allotment for additional accommodations in
the park although it is appreciated that it would
be advantageous to have more troops the reser-
vation It has been decided TO make no change IN
the other lines suggested by General Young to sub
stitute civilian guards for troopers. Neither will
there be favorable action the suggestion that
model camp be maintained, where exhibitions may
be given by the army for the benefit of tourists.
The troops employed in the Yellowstone Park will
be engaged strictly on duty as guards.
AMERICANS NEED HIGHER PAY-By author
ty of the President. the pay of attendants in
the navy has been increased by s. a month. and.
In addition. provision Is made that all stewards
and cooks in the messman branch who citizens
of the United States and who hold certificates Of
qualification as such will receive additional So
q month to the pay of their rating These certif-
Gates will remain in force for two years and are
renewable by the commanding officer of the ship
This is found be necessary by the decision which
limits mess attendants to citizens of this country
The Japanese and Chinese who have served in
that capacity hitherto obtafnable less than
Americans are. The aliens will not be discharged
but they will not be re-enlisted and as the periods
Of enlistment are expiring. ii is necessary to fill
the places with Americans.
ORDERS IssUED.-rhe following orders have
been issued:
Major JOHN PITCHER. transferres from 7th ID
Major HERBERT sLocuM transferred from "a to 7,h
Leave Of absence Contract Surgeon MARION F.
Second Lieutenant JOHN iPHILBRICK. coast artillery
Captain EUGENE p IERTEY. Jr. 10th Cavalry from
Preside of San Francisco 10 Philippines.
First Lieutenant HAROLD W. COWPER assistant
seon, resignation accepted.
NAVY.
Lieutenant H. " JENSON detached the West Virginia
TO bureau ordnance.
Passed Assistant Surgeon A b CLIFFORD. detached
Medical School Hospital, Washington: naval hos
pital, Fort Lyon.
Paymaster ". J. LrTTEL. duty pay officer Of the
Hancock.
Paymaster G s. BAKER, TO the Vermont
PaymasteY g SKIPWITFI. detached the Milwaukee,
the Pennsylvania
Paymaster T IEUTzE. detached the Hancock; await
orders.
Paymaster BRYAN. Pennsylvania. hor1a
Paynaster J. HIGGINS detached the Vermont: home
await orders
Passed Assistant Paymsster ". c FITE. to the MIL
waukee.
MOVEMENTS OF WARSHIPS.-The following
movements of vessels have been reported to the
Navy Department.:
ARRIVED
Feb 26-The Rainbow and the Galveston Manila.
SAILED.
Feb 21-The Nebraska. from Francisco
ton; the Whppe. the Hopkins. the Hull.
the Lawrence. the Truxtuu and the Arethusa from |
Feb 26-The Paducah. from Guantanamo FOR Gonaives.