The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1908-07-13

cIHCe lHc tIduSpolt StINlCt was oe-
tabIished by the War Department nine
years ago, it has been very evident that
there is wisdom in having a fleet of
vessels available at all times for the
transportation of troops whenever
necessary and for any other purpose
that the government should desire.
The experience gained in these nine
years has not only tended to fix more
firmly the question of the utility and
economy of the service, but has added
strength to the conviction that it
should be continued. This is evident
from the number of troops carried and
the tons of freight that have been
transported annually to our insular
possessions.
The service has not only been used
for the transportation of freight and
troops to the islands, but has been en-
ployed in a number of eases for relief
work, the laying of cables, and for con-
veying members of the Congress for
purposes of inspection and the witness
ing of trials of ordnance
From an economical standpoint, it is
far cheaper to maintain this service
than it would be to employ the service
of commercial vessels. There are no
high-salaried officers, agents commits
sions, no elaborate offices to be main
tanned, nor stockholders for whom to
provide dividends. The saving of all
this provides far better accommoda-
tions for the enlisted men on the trans
ports than could be furnished by the
commercial lines. They could not fit
up their vessels except at great ex-
pensc to carry enlisted men with same
degree of comfort the men now have,
and even if so fitted for one voyage
many of the fittings would have to be
removed to accommodate cargo on sub
sequent voyages.
Aside from being prepared for emer-
gencies, the ever-present necessity for
the transportation of troops and sup
plies to and from the Philippines, Ha
wall, and Guam demands that the gov
eminent shall have available ships
specially prepared with every conven
fence for the welfare and comfort of
officers and enlisted men ordered to
these foreign stations, and for their
families to go with them without pay
ing the practically prohibitive rates
charged by the commercial ships. No
officer or enlisted man could afford to
return to the United States in case of
sickness or take advantage of leave, if
compelled to pay even the very lowest |
commercial rates ever offered between |
Manila and the Pacific Coast ports.
The transports are now fitted with |
everything at command for the we'll |
being of the troops being transported. |
Their quarters are well ventilated and |
sanitary, the hunks clean and comfort
able, while the arrangements for cook |
ng and serving of meals are complete.
1"'h NCSocA 10 Cdu1pPCu Win q ACAiAS
Grating plant, which enables the keep
ng of a supply or fresh meats and
and other edibles, while the
'ick ward and other arrangements for
he sick are as perfect as modern medi
al skill can devise. Troops from the
United States reach the islands in con-
lition for immediate service, while
hose returning are bettered by the
-oyage.
Other features beside the interior
of the ships have been
dded. All of the ships are being in
tailed with wireless telegraph appa-
atus, being provided by the signal
ff1eer of the army with plans and de-
ails connected with the introduction
f this feature, now a part of the
quipment of modern passenger steam
hiTs. Messages have been received
nd transmitted over a distance of 700I
liles with perfect distinctness, and of
e& AT ports in Hawaii and Guam have
cen. advised about a day in advance +;
$ to the passengers, mails, and freight
boaf2 and the coal and supplies re- /
uired. The utility of the wireless out
t aboard ship is unquestioned at all ]
mes, but in case of breakdown or ac- ! |