The New York herald., 1877-09-12
The Business To Be Brought Before
the Extra Session.
CHARACTER OF THE PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.
Fresh Water Anchorage for the
Iron-Clads.
CUSTOM HOUSE INVESTIGATIONS.
FROM OUR REGULAR coRRsspoN DENT.

WASHINGTON, Sept II, 1871
FRrsH WATER ANCHORAGE FOR THE IRON
cLADs-How 1T is TO De PROVIDED
Pursuant TO orders Of the Secretary Of tho Navy
Board Of Engineers will at Norfolk to- morrow
nQuro TO tho advisabiity and feasibility Of con-
structing fresh basin in tho Elizabeth River
for clad vessels OF all descriptions Fresh water
anchorage for vessels with iron hus is absolutely
necessary, owing TO the obstinate and rapid
ston OF grass upon tho bottoms OF such vessels when
lying in salt water The OF the different cxpcr
ience OF copper and iron when thus subjected TO shc
action OF salt watcr Is puzzling problcm In natural
history. The iron after few months
posurc becomes covered with heavy,
ted grass, each blade OF which ranges from
few inches to couple OF fcet IN length
and the speed OF the seriously retarded It
claimed that fresh water anchorage be readily
provided in the Elizabeth River adjacent to tho navy
yard by enclosing tho required area pumping out the
salt water and then filing the basin with the Juniper
water OF tho Dismal Swamp, TO DO conducted 10 tho
spot by pipes from Lake Drummond, which is twenty
feet higher than the level Of tide water in Norfolk
harbor Heretofore the ironcads when OF duty have
laid up in the fresh water at League Island and
frozen In during the winter, putting them hors
Dat in OF sudden hostiltes that season. For
this the ciads were oil down to Port
Royal two years ago when President Grant was making
preparations against the contingency Of war with
Span. A fresh water basin at Norfolk would allow an
exit 10 at all seasons OF tie year.
THE JAY COMMISSION ON THE CUSTOM HOUSE
wEIaHEEs-sEcRETARY SHERMAN D1ssAT1s-
FLED.
Secretary Sherman is not satisfied with the report OF
the Jay Commission in regard to the Custom House
wcighers at New York city. he does not think there
is sufficient ground for the sweeping changes and
movals recommended The question was submitted
In Cabinet meeting to the departure the Presi-
dent, but no decision reached Secretary sherman
says that lie will direct further testimony be taken.
1t is probable opportunity will thus offered tho
weighers to be heard IN their vinaication, some
OF them having filed strong testimonials signed by the
merchants Iher DISTRICTS v0uching for their faith
ni discharge OF duty and cectua serving OF the
cantiIe interest Prominent among these who have
filed such papers are N. W. Burns John J. O'Br,on
and Charles and General j. NJ Gardine.
THE sEcEET SERVICE Observation-Disclosures
Secretary Sherman has directed the Solicitor of the
Treasury. Mr. Kenneth Rayner, to cause a report to
be made Of the workings OF the Secret Service Division
OF the Treasury Department. to determine the amount
and character OF tho work performed by IT, This Is
taken that change 10 to bo made In the head
OF tho division. Tho officer In charge, Mr..
Brooks is conceded DO efficient professionally but
It urged that the position requires person OF
adnsnsstrasivs ability.
THE INDIAN CoMMIssroNERsHIP rENDERED TO
NEW YORKER.
Secretary Schurz has offered the position OF Indian
Commissioner to Mr.. Z. r. Haght, OF Now York, but
the latter has not yet Ngniied his acceptance. Mr..
Haight member OF the Board Of Indian Commls.
sioners.