New-York tribune., 1873-12-10
KEY WEST.

THE NAvU. DEPoT-ACTIvE PREPARATIoNs-A COL
oNY OF REFUGEEs-THH FUTURE OF KEY WEST
lTRoN A SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT OF rHg TRIBukE.I
KEY WEST, Fla. Dec. IAN island four miles
long and over one mile wide looking out on one side
upon the Atlantic Ocean, on another upon the Straits
of Florida and another upon the Gulf OF MEXICO;
population of about 1900 souls, OF 5000 more than
the last census allows town of frame houses with
broad piazzas, and shaded by and almond
trees; capacious and beautiful harbor, in which
the largest ships may ride in safety fort barracks,
and also dozen wharves. Key West may thus be
summarily described.
At present. attention is attracted to the piece
solely because of its being the rendezvous Of the
American Navy in prospect of war with Spain and
the probable rendezvous and base OF supplies for
both army and navy in case of a movement against
the Island of Cuba During the Rebellion 1t was
for long time notable the only Southern harbor
in possession of the Union forces and throughout
the war it was invaluable 10 our Government as
point of departure and recuperatiOn. The vessels
here stationed were equally available for recon-
noissance in force other demonstration any
Gulf or South Atlantic port cruise after block
ade runners on our coast OF lowering about their
haunts in the West Indies. Here an accessible
harbor a safe depository Of supplies, and place
where prizes were brought in without delay and
promptly adudicated.
The superior advantages of the position in war
with Spain are too obvious to require mention in
detail After what have already said glance at
the map will be sufficient to make them apparent,
were not the mails uncertain and infrequent and
the telegraph facilities restricted to single whe'
the position would be indeed invaluable. The first
of these difficulties might be overcome by more
iudicous distribution of Flordas quota of the funds
apportioned by the Post-Ofice Department; and
the second will probably be obviated by the laying
of another telegaphic cable between Key West and
Punta Rassa the termini of the existing wire be-
tween the Key and the main land.
1t will surprise many who think they know some
thing about the Florida reefs to learn that plan to
make Key West accessible by an all-rail route is
under serious consideration, and that it has received
the sanction of civil engineers and extorted the
faith of some of the most sagacous business men of
Florida. 1t is proposed to run line of railway from
Key West through Florida, crossing at right angles
the railroad which extends from Cedar Keys the
Gulf to Fernandina Oh the ocean. thus making con-
necton with Savannah and the great network OF
| railways going north, south, east and west. 10
| carry Out the project it will be necessary 10
| locate the road over more than 100 miles OF
| islands, or KEYS as they are here called, and
the engineers report that this can be done without
an extravagant outlay. According to their survey
'only lone navigable stream would be crossed and
| hence only drawbrdge would be necessary,
while the grading at all points would be slight and
| Inexpensive Such railroad would be curiosity,
but no greater marvel than the wonderful engineer
ing Of the Central Pacific and Chesapeake and Ohio
Railroads. The profit would be expected in the i'm
mensely increased travel and trade between Cuba
| Jamaica Santo Domingo. and the Bahamas and the
| continental cities. II such road we're buit and
trains running on it now it would DO invaluable to
| the Government in case of war.
There are now three vessels Of war and a revenue
cutter in the Key West harbor and several are on
| their way here from Northern navy-yards. The
Worcester, carrying the flag Of Admiral Scott, as
| flagship of the North Atlantic Squadron arrived
week ago. The Worcester is fine frigate Of Is guns
and is splendidly ofcered and in good fighting con-
| dition. The Admiral and the ships commander
| Capt w. ID. Whiting, both esteemed and be-
| loved by their subordInates and officers and men
are ready and anxious for the command to 20 across
| the water. 'F '
The iron clad Saugus and the wooden sailing ves-
| sci Pawnee have been here for months Both are
| well ofiicered Commander A. f. X. Benham COM
| mandng the Ssngus, and Lieutenant John X. Winn
| the PawDee. The Saugus is ready for action and
will be found effective. The Pawnee will hardly be
of use except receiving hospital ship. During
| the last week about 100 landsmen have been re-
ceved on the Pawnee from New Orleans and other
points, and now in training for service ships
TO which they may be hereafter assigned. Ahundred
more recruits on the way. The Powhatan, Colo
RADIO, Juniata Kansas, Florida, Mahopac, and Nap-
haitian the two last named being ron-clsdsl Will
probably arrive before the ten days elapse and the
~ Esursh Pnss.