The New York herald., 1873-11-18
PHILADELPHIA NAVY YARD.
Secretary Robcson's Visit and Recep-
tion-What Is Being Done and Review
of the Work-The Feeling for War
with Spain.

with Spain.
PHILADELPHIA. Now L. 1873
Your correspondent arrived at the Navy Yard
this morning at very early hour. but not before
the arrangements for receiving the Secretary Of
the Navy had gotten pretty well under way. At
the gates leading in a large crowd had gathered,
long line OF marines stood uniformed within the
enclosure, officers in gay uniforms moved here and
there, many supernumeraries were furnishing g
the brazen cannon, which stood in rows down to
the wharf, so that with the ringing of metal and
the Gathering OF hammers the scene one of ex-
traordinary hustle and activity.
THE WORK ON HAND.
Anticipating, as did. the arrival OF the Secre-
tary by several hours, an ample opportunity was
afforded me to compare the movements OF to-day
with those which, at the outbreak of the Cuban
trouble, engaged the energies OF the yard last
week.
on board the iron tug Pnta tue activity shown
cannot be described. Her decks were literally COW
cred with workmen, punched up In such close con-
nection that IL was difficult thing to see how they
could work without interfering with those
next to them. The order came for her
repair early yesterday, and all day long
this immense force of men were using all their
energies to put her in good trim. She could sail
tonight If so ordered. She is very large. very
powerful and very fast.
Below her saw the grim and dusky monitor
Manhattan. The changes wrought upon her since
last was on her deck were really surprising to me
this morning and have made her appear altogeth
like anot her boat, so that in the opinion OF tn
authorities she Is as good as the day she was
turned into the sea from the stocks.
SALUTE
Time new rapidly as these observations were
made, and alter leaving the deck OF the Manhat-
tan, went up to the quarters OF the commandant
OF the yard to await the arrival OF the secretary.
After little while % booming round OF artillery
announced the coming OF the party, the great iron
gates few open, the band struck up lively air,
the marines presented their arms, the superior
officers saluted with their swords, the artillery
thunsered, and thus in single moment the pro-
gramme OF reception eliminated in very credit
able and somewhat brilliant demonstration.
The secretary was attended by Mr.. Hanscom,
Chief OF the Bureau Of Construction by Conmo-
dore Rogers. ex-Secretary OF the Navy, Mr. Borie
and by many others. No sooner had the party
arrived than the scene grew buster than it was
even before.
sent an imperative telegram to the Chester and
Wilmington ship yards, ordering al gunboats and
shlps-oi.war undergoing repairs 70 be pushed ior
ward with the utmost vigor, while orders e
given which involved the engagement OF hundreds
OF more hands TO put the Ajax in trim at the ear
lest possible moment.
LEAGUE ISLAND.
The secretary did not remain bur few moments
In the yard. A tug was waiting lor him at the
wharf 10 convey him TO League Island, and he,
along with the naval offcer, went immediately on
Board Your correspondent was kindly permitted
haste for the island. bitterly cold wind was
blowing; the waves were heavy aud full ot lumps;
and the skies were dull and lowering. The Secre-
tary spent most OF the time on deck, studying the
improvements along the river 'front.' After ride
OF 80 minutes the tug neared the island,
and drew up alongside the immense iron
monitor, the Terror. dfcary rain here
set in, and ii seemed as II the wind hourly became
more biting and bleak. A careful survey was made
OF the 20 monitors well as OF their arma-
ment recently described IN the HERALD, an esti-
mate was made concerning the time necessary ~
nt all or them for sea, "a thorough investigation
was instituted as to the shot, shell ana general
navy ordnance. after which the Secretary loncd
his friends on board the ing, and on the way home
occupied a chair In the cabin
THE FEELING FOR WAR;
had an opportunity OF cnnyersing with proml-
ncnt ard 0nlcial representative OF the government
aud had also the privilege OF hearing him converse
with others. The gentleman was not aware at the
time that he was conversIng with or being over
heard by commissioner OF the HERALD, and
therefore do not consider myself justified IN giy-
irg his name, His reputation influence and post
ton are AL very prominent and powerful, and his
opinion Is worthy OF every consideration. Tic
said -
"'woud regret TO see another war. Tue .srr,.