Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1874-08-28
THAT NATAL COMMITTEE.

The committee from the United States Sem
tae, commissioned to visit the several naval
stations from Washington, east, and report on
their condition and the advisability of con-
solidating or removing any of them, and fin
ishing their circuit and separated to their
homes. The Charlestown and Kittery yards
were both visited, last week, and about two
days spent at each and on Sunday morning,
the elegant United States despatch steamer
Despatch, which carried the committee and a
few ladies of their families accompanying or
the trip, returned to Washington by way OF
New York.
OF the committee, Senators Bragin of New
Hampshire, Chairman, Anthony of r ode
Islend, Morrill, of Maine, Sargent of Califor-
mia and Conover of Florida were present at
the examination of the yard at Portsmouth, OF
atkittery, opposite, on the river, and expressed
themselves much gratified at the condition
and capabilities of that station. 1t is under
stood that the drawing up of the report of the
committee is confided to Senator Sargent o.
California, who, though one of the youngest
on the committee, and perhaps under some
suspicion of harboring desire of strengthen
ing the new Western yards at the expense OF
the older ones at the East, is exceedingly
well informed on naval and marine matters,
and almost as studoUs and devoted to his
Congressional duties as was Sumner, or DIS is
the great fellow Neweuryport townsman,
Gushing, to whatever he undertakes.
The committees are eminent for worth and
ability, and were much aided in their duties
by Rear Admiral c. z. Rodgers, an accom-
plished and scientific officer and courteous
gentleman, chief of the Bureau of Yards and
Docks, who had charge of the vessel on the
trip. Also, Constructors Isaiah and William
Hanscom were in attendance, and the officers
stationed at the several yards, of course. The
Despatch was built for private use by New
York gentleman, at cost of $500 600, and sold
to the Government $685. 900, year or two
ago. She is an elegant and substantial YES
sci, well fitted for dispatch service, and an
honor to the navy and the country. Her name
was formerly the America, but was changed
when the United States purchased her by the
Secretary of the navy, and wehave no Amer
lea in the service.
After due examination of the kittery yard
and exchange of social courtesies with the Of
ticers, the Despatch visited the Isles of Shoals
on Saturday that the committee might see
the occasion for building the breakwater there
for protection of a small bu. important harbor
but zone of them arrived there to witness
the recent regatta, as stated or charged by
Boston partisan paper.
On Saturday evening. the committee sepa-
rated at Portsmouth, Senator's Cragin and
Morrill, leaving for their homes, Senator An
thony to visit Indian Hill farm at Newbury.
there remaining only Senators Sargent and
Conover to proceed to New York and Wash
ington in the steamer. The trip has been pro-
ductve of good in giving the naval Senators
personal acquaintance with the various yards
and harbors and their capabilities and needs,
and with the leading military and civil author
tiles of the various sections. But it is hardly
probrble that any yard will be removed or
least into the A. Boston Globe.