New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1873-11-18
SECRETARY robson AT THE PHILADEL
PHIA MAYNARD.

AN INSPECTION OF THE BoN-CLADS-GTTTINGT TIE
MANHATTAN READY FOR sEA--A LACK OF SKA
MEN.
lFRoM An OCC AsIoNAL CORRESPONDENT OF THE TRIBUNE
PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 17.-Ths morning, in pursu-
ance of an intention announced as far back as
Wednesday last, Secretary Robson arrived at the
Navy-Yard here, accompanied by large number of
heads of Naval Departments. He came mther
from Elizabeth N. j.. where he had been with
the President. and his VISIT, though coin
cidence, apparently had special relation
TO the recent Cuban disturbance. It's object seems
to have been general inspection of the yard and
the Improvements at League Island, with glance
at the monitors laid mp in the back channel all of
which he desired to point out to Senator Sargent Of
California, who is on the Naval Committee of Con-
gress, and who accompanied him. The visiting
party consisted of the Secretary, the Senator Com
modore Rodgers, Chief of the Bureau of Yards and
Docks; Capt. LETTERS, Chief of the Bureau Of Ord
nance and other heads of departments.
They were received on their arrival by Conmo-
dore Mullaney Commandant of the Nayy-Yard, a
staff of naval officers, and number Of civilians,
among whom were ex-Secretary BOre, j. Gilliug-
ham Fell George W. Childs JOS w. Bullock,
Charles Gibbons and others The usual naval hon
ors were proceeded with, and then q hasty inspec-
ton of the yard, including inquiries of
several of the executive officers, was made.
The main object of the visit was then
sought to be reached in q run down to League
Island in the Government cutter Pilgrim, it being
understood that the Secretary desired 10 incorporate
some recommendations about League Island in his
forthcoming message to Congress- The visitors first
boarded the Terror, heavy double-turreted mont
tor carrying four 15-inch guns just returned from
three years service in South Atlantic waters. Lieut..
Bloomfield McIlvane, attached to the receiving
shin here, on the arrival of the distinguished
guests fired a national salute of 81 guns from
the battery on shore. After glancing through
the Terror, and ordering the lights to be
got ready in the other monitors lying IN the two
channels the party went ashore, and, all being III
readiness, Secretary Robson hoisted the hrst flag
over League Island Naval Station, to which salute
of q guns was fired Heretofore there has been no
flagstaff and no formal ceremony had ever before
taken place of raising the national coOrs over this,
the largest naval station Of the country. view OF
the island was then taken, the Secretary explain
lng the boundaries advantages and recent i'm
proyements to Senator Sargent. The appropriation
for dredging the back channel has recently been
exhausted and much is to he asked from Congress
in regard to further improvements. The various
plans in the Office of the sOrehouse for yards and
docks were then examined and the party contem-
Mated going DOaTu inc ObHcT luouitOIS lying
near but cold. drilling rain coming on, the pro-
iect was abandoned. The return to the Navy-YaId
and dinner at the commandments house followed.
without special matter for consideration The Sec
retary and his party return to Washington tonight
In a conversation with leading officer OF the
ward il was learned that the authorities are not
fitting ont so many vessels here, but rather using
unusual dispatch in getting ready the iron-clad,
gle turret two 15-inch gun monitor Manhattan,
$50 tons requiring about 100 men to man her. She
did service at Mobile aud in the Mississippi during
the war and has just been repaired by Cramp d
Sons. Work is being forced also on the screw cor
vette Canandaigua. 10 guns undergoing repairs to
her boilers. The monitor Ajax. of The same
class AZ the Manhattan. is also being rapidly
repaired andtnow has'her turret Oft and is having
new deck with iron beams fixed in her. The tug
Pinta dispatch boat, will be ready Tor service at
the same time with the Manhattan and the Canaan
daigua The officers of the former reported to-day,
and although she is ready for service at once, diff
6culty will be experienced in getting sufficient sea-
men to man her. about 40 men beng required for