The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1883-10-05
SANDY BAY BREAKwATER.I
The Proposed 9arbor of Refuge at Rock
port, Mass.

On Wednesday last the Massachusetts, con-
eressional delegation accompanied by Capt.
Ralph Chandler, U. s. N, Major Raymond,
Mr.. Haagensen and Mr.. g. P. Lowell, repre-
senting the Boston Board of Trade, visited
Rockport and inspected the line of the break
water proposed to be built at that point.
The line as proposed is from Straitsmouth
Island, 700 feet, covering reef which extends
out from the point. An opening of 1900 feet
from the pier to Avery's ledge will allow yes.
sells to enter and depart From Avery's ledge
the breakwater, having two straight faces,
will extend along natural ridge ABOUT 5000
feet. Another opening OF 1900 feet in length
will then be left, and the breakwater con-
tinued toward Andrass Point Inside the
break water there will be harbor of refuge Of
about 1000 acres, which will be ample for q
thousand sails of vessels. At the eastern en-
trance there will be depth of 40 feet Of water
and at the northern entrance so feet, which
will allow of the passage OF the largest ships.
The little and great Salvages, together with
the first Salvages, which are located off
Srraitsmouth Island, will be a natural protec-
tion to the breakwater. The harbor will ex-
ceed in area the harbors of Portland and Ply
mouth in England, and equal that OF Cher
bourg in France. 1t is estimated hat 20 900
sail pass this point annually, and that during
the last 10 years there have been 80 vessels
wrecked on the coast in that vicinity, invol-
wing great loss of life and property. There is
no harbor of refuge nearer than Portsmouth on
one side and Gloucester on the other, and
both of these are said to be exposed, vessels
having been wrecked after they had got in
side. One question which will have an i'm
portant bearing, is the COST And In defence
OF this it Is stated, upon the authority OF one
who has given much time and thought to the
subject that there is no plaza on the coast where
stone can be obtained so cheap as at Rockport
To rid tue Quarres of refuse stone there Ia
now piled up in the inner harbor over ,6O0,-
600 tons. Much Of this Can be dtilized in the
construction of the breakwater, and the re-
maiDder which may be required can be had
for the hauling from the Quarries, The pre-
limnary estimates call for 100000 tons of
stone.
Alter passing along the proposed line OF the
break water, the tug was run into Pigeon Cope,
where the company landed and proceeded to
the Pigeon Cove House for dinner. Mr.. j. w.
Marshall presided, and, after satisfying the
innerman, the breakwater question was dis
cussed by the gentleu ed present. Governor
Butler sent letter expressing his regrets that
previous engagements would prevent him
from testifying in person to the great inn
portance of the work proposed, and pledgfng
his influence with the legislature whenever IL
was deemed necessary for that body to me-
morialize Congress in aid of the project. Gen.
eral Thorn, in a letter, reiterated his former
belief regarding the Importance of the former
work. and Colonel James II. French, who is
in Louiseille, sent regrets that he could not be
present to urge upon the Massachusetts dele
CATION the great necessity which exists for the
work. The Hon. p. A. Collins wrote that he
had such confidence in the judgment OF Major
Raymond that he wodld support any measure
in favor of the harbor which might come up in
Congress.
Speec hes were then made by Major Ray
mond, Colonel Stone, Ex-Governor Long. Con-
gresham Lowering, Capt. Ralph Chardler,
Mr.. G. P. Lowell and others. The speakers
were all agreed that the work is of national
Importance and would be OF great benefit to
commerce. The difficulty which the Con-
gressmen feared they might have to contend
with is in convincing Congress of the national
importance of the work. Admitting the neces-
sity and practioabi:ty OF the undertaking,
they pledged their best efforts in the interests
of the project.