Rensselaer Democrat, Volume 1, Number 2, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 22 April 1898 — FORTY-EIGHT VESSELS BOUGHT [ARTICLE]

FORTY-EIGHT VESSELS BOUGHT

Government Has Expended Nearly $0,000,000 In This Direction. Since the war preparations were begun, forty-eight vessels of ali types and classes have been added to the naval strength. They range from tiny harbor defense tor-pedo-boats to the fast cruisers New Orleans and Albany, and include steam yachts, ocean-going tugs, colliers, an ambulance ship, auxiliary cruisers, the ves sels of the revenue-cutter service, and thi lighthouse tenders, which have lately been impressed. Of the total number of vessels now subject to the orders of the Navy Department, about thirty have been purchased outright by the government, either at home or in Europe, and only about one-fifth of tltem are yet in condition for service with the regular war vessels. The amount paid for these vessels has not been nnnouneed, but approximately it is understood that the newly purchased vessels have cost the navy so far nearly $9,000,000, of which one-third was paid for the ships bought abroad.