The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1874-06-27
THE BROOKLYN NAVY YARD,
The Work ON Hand-The Tennessee,
Montauk and Torpedo Boat-Vessels ON
the StOcks-Scarcfty OF Sailors.

Ine WORK on HlnO-The Tennessee,
Montauk and Torpedo Boat-Vessels ON
the stocks-scarcity OF Sailors.
On entering the York street gateway of the
Brooklyn Navy Yard one cannot fail to be struck
with the impression that there is nothing on the
surface operations at this station tending to show
the slightest regard for an adherence to the pa
trlotic admoniti0n, .In time of peace prepare for
war" Quiet reigns supreme, and it requires
some time for reflection on the part OF the visitor
to realize that this is really the greatest naval
depot in the country. The huge piles Of round
shot and shell ranged in pyramids; the anchors,
OF all Sizes pendant from the racks; the cannon
TERED on the ordnance wharf; few unfinished
war vessels sentnels walking lazily on their posts
and gancing jealousy at the chubby, blue coated
watcnmen are the sole reminders OF the great fact
that In the event OF a war with a foreign foe the
metropolis of North America would OF neces-
sity be compelled to rely upon the constr uctive
resources OF this Navy Yard. After the Spanish
American-Cuban war, in which so much INK was
uselessy shed, 1t was hoped that the government
would profit BY the lessen taught to the mex
pedlency of being again caught so unprepared in
case OF sudden emergency. Such is not the case,
however, and dry rot and barnaces again resume
their wonted and destructive sway on
THE WOODEN WALLS OF AMERICA.
Millions lor extravagance. not one cent LOT needed
repairs appears to be the axiom OF Uncle Sans
legislators. During the past winter ana spring
about 200 men have been employed IN the various
keep the shop fires lighted and totally In
adequate to meet the requirements OF the
funds applicable to the constr1ction a'' and
engineering departments. Congress turned a
deaf ear to the advice OF skilled and veteran SER
wants OF the nation, and the Western members,
actuated by selfish backwoods sentiments, and
being devoid OF patriotic pride in The supremacy
OF our flag the seas refused 70 make the apprO-
prlatlon required for the navy repairs which were
instituted at a period when New York was said TO
be literally at the mercy OF Spanish men-Of-war.
I
When couple Of hundred mechanics and laborers
Will be taken on at the Navy Yard, and some little
spirit will be Infused into the present dead-and-
alive order OF things on this station.
THE TENNESSEE
The United States steam SiOop-of.war Tennessee,
lying at the main dock OF the yard Is the principal
object OF interest noticeable. Her engines. which
have been constructed by John Roche OF New
York, on contract, Will be tested by the govern
ment preparatory TO their acceptance. Three
chief and nine assistant engineers have been or
derea here to make thorough examination Of the
work, and upon their report the Navy Department
viii act Her engines are OF the compound order,
and similar In that respect TO those oil the Swatara
THE MONTAUK.
The third.rate sloop-otwar Montauk is on the
dry dock undergoing repairs at the hands of work
men from Roche's yard. Her wooden deck beams
are being replaced by IRON.
THE loRPEDo BOAT.
Grave DOUBTS are entertained as to the success
OF Admiral Porter'S torpedo boat many lmperlec-
tons being said TO have been discovered In the
promised in the event OF war with SPAN last
winter. The craft In question will undergo close
inspection at an early day by naval scientists.
THE NEW SLOOP.OFWAR
which was commenced last september is still on
the stocks, ana the work Is progressing very slowly
owing to the inadeaaacy OF the force Of workmen
available at present.
MISCELLANEOUS.
The gunboat Gettysburg laden with ordnance
stores, lett the yard for Portsmouth, N. H., last
Thursday.
Several embellishments have recently been
made to certain sections OF the Navy Yard, among
which may be mentioned park, that has been
laid out III the vicinity of the officers quarters.
Captain Shuieldt, Executive Officer who Is now
temporarily assigned TO the DUTY OF examining
enslgns Tor promotion to the grade OF master, at
Annapolis, Nd, Will return 10 duty at this station
next week.
The sloops Colossus, New York and Java remain
rottlng on the stocks, an ncumbrance to space
in the yard and a monument to the inellciency OF
Federal legislation for the navy There are very
few sailors on the receiving ship at Vermont at
present The navy being lar from popular, Jack,
when in these ATTITUDES, finds his way to the lakes
in the summer season.