Jasper County Democrat, Volume 2, Number 16, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 29 July 1899 — WASHINGTON. [ARTICLE]

WASHINGTON.

A reciprocity treaty with France has been signed at Washington after a long IM'i-iod of dispute and negotiation. Formal announcement of Elihu Root's

appointment as Secretary of War has been made at Washington. He has notified the President of his acceptance. Bids have been opened by the Navy Department for the sale of several vessels purchased by the department at the beginning of the war with Spain, but which, having been found unsuitable for service, have been condemned. High prices were offered by bidders. The board of naval chiefs at Washington has decided to give thirty months for building the six new protected cruisers, instead of twenty-four months, as was first contemplated. This is due to the rush of private work at all the shipyards, which made the yards indisposed to bid on the vessels unless more time was given. The extension, it is said, insures active competition and lower figures.