ORGANIZATION—FLEET DIVISION—BUDGETS.
Argentine Republic.
The navy of this country is as yet not fully or independently developed, its administration and budget being incorporated with that of the army. All vessels of a larger size than gun-boats have been purchased from foreign governments, and until lately there have been no facilities for the repair of ships; at present, however, a dock-yard is in course of construction at Zarate, which when completed will furnish docking and repairing facilities for first-rate vessels. This yard is, however, hardly to be considered a building yard. Engines, boilers, and ordnance will be purchased from foreign markets for some time to come, as the mechanical industries are not yet sufficiently developed to permit the establishment in the country of the necessary machine-shops. A naval school has been established and measures have been taken to introduce apprentice instruction.
The personnel of the Argentine fleet is divided into three corps or divisions:
NAVAL DIVISION.
| 2 | Fleet Commandants. | 22 | Cadets. |
| 5 | Colonels. | 43 | Midshipmen. |
| 8 | Lieutenant-Colonels. | 7 | Paymasters. |
| 6 | Majors. | 26 | Machinists. |
| 7 | Captains. | 748 | Men. |
| 26 | Lieutenants. | — | Apprentices. |
| Total | 900 |
MARINE INFANTRY AND
ARTILLERY DIVISION.
2000 Men (National Guard).
TORPEDO DIVISION.
3 Chiefs. 8 Officers. 80 Men.
The yearly budget of the navy is about $700,000, or a little less than one twenty-fourth of the entire national expense.
There are no cruising squadrons as yet, although more than half of the fleet is kept constantly in commission, policing the coast of Patagonia and the home coast.