The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1858-08-14
THE GREAT WORKS AT CHERB0URG.



the Chsousi-Iss History, Constr uctIon and
Coss-ahs Ceiebs alton, sc.
The Paris Monitew publishes historical sketch
Of Cherbourg, Of which the following is a sum-
mary
Cherbourg which occupies public attention at this
moment is situated in the peninsula of Cotentin, the
ancient Lower Normandy, 30 called from Coutances
it's capital The Cotentin, which formed part OF the
possessions OF William the Conquerer, became Eng
fish after the battle Of Hastings. Gerberat, Count
Of Cherbourg, distinguished himself In that battle
and contributed powerfully TO the success of the
Normans. From the death Of William, in 1857, until
the middle Of the fifteenth century, Cherbourg was
frequently taken by the French and retaken by the
English. IL was finally taken by Charles VIZ, the
18th of August, lij0, after siege Of forty days
and has never since ceased TO belong TO France
Louis NV. finding that the French coast on the
channel TO the extent Of l25 leagues, was unpro-
vided with port OF refuge for ships Of war, deter
mined TO construct one equal 10 Rochfort Toulon
and appointed q committee 10 select point. The
18th OF April, 1866 the committee reported that il
would he expedient to improve the port of Cher
1sourg, and TO construct breakwater of 400 yards
in length.
tin, at the command Of Louis XIV. He recon-
mended La Hogue as the most advantageous strate-
getic point TO construct q port for navy, but
he admitted the merit of Cherbourg and he prepared
plan for its defence signed by his hand, which
is still preserved at the Hotel de Vile Of that town.
Nothing more, however, was done until the year
1879, when the commercial port was formed, the
auays built. and two moles constructed at the en-
trance 20 the canal The OF 744 interrupted the
works. In 1853 Lord Howe landed at Cherbourg
and did not quit the town until he had caused CON
siderable damage. Louis XVI. revived the question
in 776, but Vaubans preference for La Hogue found
many partsans, who would perhaps have triumphed
had IL not been for NJ. de Sartine then Minister Of
Marine. The partisans of Cherbourg found a valu-
able ally In Colonel Dumourez, commander Of the
town, who subsequently became remarkable during
the republic, and on the Sd of July, 1879, a royal
ordinance commanded the construction of the forts
Hommet and of the island Pelce.
The works Of Cherboutg excited attention both in
France and throughout Europe, and the King com.
missioned his brother, the Count dArtois, TO visit
them. That Prince arrived at Cherbourg the 22d Of
May, 1856, and expressed his admiration of all he
saw At the end of three days he left for Versailles
and from the manner in which he spoke of the works
the King was induced 10 visit the new maritime
establishment Louis XVI. made his solemn entry
into Cherbourg the 22d of June 1886. and left the
26th of the same month. The King examined the
works In the harbor as well "a the defences and the
commercial port with great interest. During his
stay at Cherbourg he was well received by the an.
thofties and by the popuation-his afIabiity his
simple manners and hrs solid information produced
the best effect. The pertisans Of La Hogue, how
ever remained firm, and returned 10 the charge in
the year 1855. But they experienced an obstinate
resistance. A note exists which was addressed 20
the King the 23d OF March l7s6, Wy NJ Plevilc le
Policy, In which the advantages possessed by Cher
6ourg are explained ct great length. Louis XVI,