The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1850-10-08


ect very distinctly the great argument by which we were
urged TO adopt! this system u was upon me sc9re o.
cheapness. Well sir Congress very hastily adopted
that system against the ndalon, believe OF the
department, and against certain declared opinions OF the
Naval Committees OF Both houses. We were beguled
by the promise that the floating dry docks wcad be exceed
lngly cheap Well, what Is the fact! Why, sir they
expensive than your stone docks while the one
Is pefIshabe. and last but few years, and the
other Y ndesructble The stone dock at Boston cos,
100000 How much have yor appropriated already for
these unfinished floating docks which We're TO cost 80
much less than the stone docks! Why, for the one at
Pensacola The senator from Florida informs me that you
find in the appropriation bill q this year over $37oo0O
for floating dry dock at Ph,ladepnia, last year,
Ss as nss
appropriated for the dry dock at Philadelphia which cost
much less than the at Pensacola being one hundred
thousand more than the cost Of the stone dock a Boston
And after all your floating dock is but pershabe contr
vance. think il is reckless expenditure OF the
public moaey and that Congress is 70 be censured Tor
having rushed blndly and largely into this expert
men in fs47 We have not yet ascertained whether
these docks will answer the purpose or not We have
only found that they will cost twice as much as the stone
docks IN the end and now we are called upon TO SO into
Just such waseful expenditure for floating dock in
Caornia the cost Of which will far exceed the appro
pration for the dry dock at Pensacola
twelve per cent beyond the amount paid for the dock at
Pensacola in addition TO the cos. OF transportation from
the Atlantic 10 the Pacific coast. Now, have not the
slightest question but that this project will subserve the
benefit individuals II certainly looks to very much
like con,riyance. will not charge il as such upon any
person here or elsewhere. But sir, there is provision
and take proper charge OF it. is not 10 be N the charge
Of proper officers Of the government but in charge OF the
contractors and when the government IS not using ior
the repair OF their vessels these contractors are to
be allowed 10 il for the repair OF merchant vessels
II certainly looks as il il was for the especial beneht OF
shpownes rather than for that Of the navy Of the United
nine enths OF all the demads for lis will be. not for
the benefit OF the merchant marine bu for the benefit OF
these contractors. do not know how they are to be
limited in their charges 1t is it is said that il shall
be the duy of the Secretary Of the Navy TO enter into
agreement with the contractors TO keep the said works in
repair g. but do not any proper Limitation upon the
charges which those individuals may make for the Of
private ships in their docks II seems 10 me to furnish
most magnificent speculation in Congress II is abso
uey appropatng money 10 erect these large structures
for the benefit OF contractors
Now, sir, ! know il is desirable that there should be
naval station the coast OF CALIFORNIA; and agree thai
in proper Of time dock will be required there
and think when the capabilities oil the country fully
understood and It's resources fully developed we shall be
able 10 select site undersandngy and perhaps ind that
there materials the spot Tor constructing astone
dock-the only kind that is worthy OF the consideration
OF Congress, ~ my estimation.
Blu, il is urged that il is matter which does not admit
Of delay-that we ought 70 act upon this thing now.
Why, sir, what does the bill do Ii gives only 100000,
which is only drop in the bucket twill not put up the
frame oi This work il will not enable the contractors
prepare onefourth part OF IL You cannot with that
sum prepare this stone basin of which the senator from
Florida speaks for you will now have 10 transport the
materials around Cape Horn And even II you do pre-
pare it, you will commit great exravagance; for the
time will when you will get stone there much
cheaper than it will now cost TO get II al Boston and
transport round the Horn lhope. therefore, that Con-
gess will refuse appropriate silver for this object al
the present tme but will wait till they have an opportu
nifty to test thequeston fuliy-unnl have the benefit
OF The REPORTS o. The engineers sent to survey the coast
until in short we can act with our eyes open aud know
what we are about
| Mr. GWIN One great objection TO the building OF
this dnrk il Well. Whenever e.
Cesar, be built the expense ought 10 be incurred IL
said there Is immediate, pressing necessity Tor u
But the longer is put of the greater will be the neces
siiy and the more diihcu ii will be make contact
with the pares who have the only means OF perform.
ing this work Bu want 10 know OF the gentlemen
who oppose the building OF this kind Of dock whether
not materials be got for stone dock. think am
familiar with the country any OF those gentlemen,
and know OF no place where stone can be had. This,
thefefos, is Me only plan we can devise; aud you do
not give this dock, you give us none and there Is
not spot he lace Of the earth where one is much
needed. But feel 80 confident in the justice OF ih,s
measure that will not consume any more lime upon II.
| Mr. MASON. Being one OF that CON ni,tee who very
thoroughly considered this subject when the Committee
on Navel Affairs came before us, ask 10 say LEV
words upon the subject shall concur 10 the motion oi
the chairman OF the committee 10 strike out this provision
Sir, have no doubt that one OF these docks VIII De
found and j. now indspensaby necessary on the coas,
OF California fo ships ahd have no doubt u will
be ound 10 be the duty of Congress al as early day a.
practicable provide them with such dock a. viii be
compeient for the public service But sir Is bat two
lion to contract with certain persons by name 10
build certain kind o dock, Tor sum not limited, ou
dependent upon contingencies which we cannot now
fofesee The transportation of materials from the Al.
antc the Pacific s TO be done within two months
OF the reassemblage OF Congress Now, sir, until have
certain difficulties removed which, at present, are nsu
perable, cannot agree any legislation whereby the
Congress Of the United States makes contract for the
naval military service, or any other branch oil the
public service intrusted to the executive department. upon
such contingencies
4 Mr.. GWIN. Tin his seat) II has been done hereto.
fore.
Il Mr. MASON know il has been done heretofore
but that does not sanction the usage. For myself
know nothing in the world about these docks. know
one is necessary but whether should be stone
wooden dock, am unable 10 Judge. But when the head
upon the sobject who report TO Congress upon
the proper sor OF dock, beg leave-to vote with him
feeling assured that the proper Information Will be gwen
Now sir, can assure the gentlemen from California
that satisfied OF the necessity OF having dock upor
the California coast and when the subject matured vii
vote with them cheerfuy any that IS necessary
but think improvident and basy legislation Immediately
10 get in the smallest end Of the wedge by approprans
SloO0oo in order to commit the government to this par
hcular sor Of dock. The effect Of il will be 10 comm
the government to certain contract when there are bu
1.-TWO months 10 expire before IT must be done. mus
certainly vote for striking out the provision
| Mr.. YULEE II the senator viii allow me, will
state that the material point OF the objection OF The
tor from California TO providing permanent stone docl
that there is no stone upon that side Of the coas, suia
BILE for The purpose. 6na4aN4
II Mr.. MASON We do not know that fact.
Il Mr. YULEE We do not know that there is any, an,
Therefore you expect that the materials viii have to b.
Transported from this side. That then, is precisely thu
reaeon WHY this provision should be stricken out becaus