The Sun.
London, England, 1859-05-07 00:00:00

DOVER HAI?BOUR OF REFUGE.

In October, 1847, a commencement was made of
the pier, which has now stretched itself far into
the deep water of the Channel, and though the
progress up to the present time has not been such
as to justify the expectation of the works being
completed as a harbour of refuge in any reasonable
time, and a strong opinion is entertained by some
that the mode of construction should even now be
changed, with a view to expedition and the reduc-
tion of cost ; still the advantages that have been
already gained, and which are no part of the
Harbour of Refuge scheme, are thought to show,
that if at any future time it should become neces-
sary to station a fleet in the Channel, the advantages
that will be derived from such a work will be im-
mense. The great object sought in the construction
of the works at Dover, was a station in time of war
for a Channel fleet, from which no storm could
drive them, and where they might be at hand
whenever their services might be needed; thus
obviating the necessity of periodically returning to
the nearest dockyards (Chatham or Portsmouth), for
fuel and supplies of different kinds; which would
practically be offering eligible opportunities for
annoyance or attack from small vessels of war,
such as could issue from the ports on the opposite
side of the Channel. The feasibility of this will
readily be understood when it is stated that, during
the French war, even sailing vessels used to sally
out on such occasions as these, and, in sight •f
people now inhabitants of Dover, capture merchant
vessels off the very mouth of the harbour. What
might not have been done in this way by the
agency of steam P Lines of railway from the
Rockyards of Chatham and Portsmouth, and
the camps of Aldershott and Shorncliffe, aro
already in existence, close up to the pier ;
and it is proposed to continue these lines down
the pier to the jetties, by which means the
landing and embarking of troops, horses, baggage,
or naval stores, would be effected with ease. The
depth of water allows troopships of great draught
of water to come alongside at all times of tide;
and the outer landing jetties, which will shortly
be in hand, have 42 fekt depth of water at low
water of spring•tides, sufficient for the largest ships
of the line at the lowest tides. The length of pier
founded at this date is 1,250 feet; the superstructure
is completed of 1,050 feet. The width of the pier at
the base is 84 feet ; at the quay level, 45 feet. The area
enclosed will be 320 acres, with upwards of 4 fathoms
in depth at low water. Messrs. Lee are the con-
tractors, and Mr. Edward Druce is the resident
engineer. The progress of the work has hitherto
been regulated by the Parliamentary grant, which
has never exceeded £34,000 per annum; but it is
urged that a much greater amount of work could
and ought to be done. A prorepteuein•vahitdaeinvbtour here. in
timein
ens
eo of
advantagepeace
;andit if,is unfortunately, war should
of im
threaten our shores, there will be,
' '
wanted, a safe refuge for our fleets,the wheremere mostexist-
ence
nt any
in the Channel,
istoofhewhmicahstlevrill dispute as to who
do without it at present if the ambition, malignity,
or r
hold
inmadness
their of
hands individuals,thelives
es.must
whoand afroertupneersmoitftetdhetiro
fellow-creatures, should bring this mighty evil
upon us at once. Nevertheless, let England be but
just to herself; and she need fear no foreign enemies.
Hearts of oak are our ships (to say nothing of iron);
heart of oak are our men : we have thrashed them
before, and we'll thrash them again, if the sad
necessity arise. Heaven avert it!—The Builder.

- -
A BRIDE A WIDOW.—On Thursday last a lady
and gentleman arrived at the George Hotel, Dale-street,
Liverpool, from Coventry, to spend the honeymoon. It
transpired that the happy couple were Mr. John Wright,
farmer, of Coventry, and his young bride, Miss Blockley, of.
Ulsthorpe, Leicestershire, they having been married that
morning at Coventry. The gentleman, though in the hap-
piest spirits, seemed to bo rather in adelicate state of health,
and he complained of being unwell before ho retired to rest.
Some time afterwards a doctor was sent for, Mr. Slack, who
remained with him. Becoming worse, Dr. Inman, Dr.
Hodgson, and Dr. Jones were also called in, but their
efforts were unavailing, and he died at eight o'clock the
next morning, as is supposed from disease of the heart. The
melancholy news was telegraphed to his friends at Coventry,
and was received before the wedding guests had separated.
The body was removed from Liverpool en Saturday morn-
ing, and the disconsolate wife returned to the house of
mourning a bride and a widow,—Liverpool .48e.