Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1884-05-17
Correspondence of THE EVENING STAR.

DOCK, &c.
Correspondence of THE EVENING STAR
VALLEJO, CAL, April %, 1884.
This enterprising and beautiful city is located
on the straits Of Carquinez thirty miles east of
San Francisco and about sixty miles southwest
of Sacramento, the capital of the state. To Gen.
NJ. G. Vallejo belongs the honor of having Sc
lected the site on which the city now stands, it
being grant to him from the Mexican govern
ment. 1t was the location of the capital of the
golden state in 1852, but 1t lacked what In those
days seemed to be necessaryt TO the seat of every
central government, viz: vortex Of dissipa-
ton. This necessity was, however, profusely
provided for BY the town of Sacramento owing
TO It's proximity to the mines. The assembly,
therefore, with great unanimity, passed a bill to
remove the capital to the latter place-"ball
tickets and theater tickets being rendered to
the members in reckless profusiOn." But the
bill was bitterly opposed in the senate. and was
rejected by one vote. This rejection was a
matter OF great rejoicing to the people of the
town, but small and unsightly circumstance
led TO reconsideration OF the bill. Senator
Anderson, on Saturday night, found an extra
sized creeper on his pillow, and on the following
Monday morning he made an overwhelming ap-
peal tor the removal Of the capital to Sacra-
mento. Accordingly, on the 18th of January
1882, the government and legislature started
for sacramento via the straits Of CarquineZ
This was heavy blow to Vallejo, but its severity
was much relieved by the establishment of a
navy yard on Mare Island by the United States
government in 1854. This, of course, gave a
great impetus to immigration, since many
houses were erected for the accommodation of
the hundreds of workmen needed here.
THE SITE OF VALLEJO
is highly picturesque. The undulatng hills
which, forty years ago, were gaZed upon with so
much pride by Gen. Vallejo, are now covered
with hundreds of beautiful homes and mansions.
surrounded with gardens of the richest shrub
berry and flowers of the rarest hue, with fertile
and lovely valleys stretching away on every side.
The present population is about 1000. and there
are evidences Of much culture and refinement.
The public schools of the city, with an attend
ance Of LOGO pupils, are acknowledged to be
among the best in the state. The home for
orphans. erected by the Good Templars of the
state, is beautifully located near the city. About
40 orphans are sheltered and instructed here
This noble charity is exceedingly well managed.
and reflects great credit upon the host of friends
who contribute to Its support. There are eight
churches liz the town, some of them very hand
some in their architectural appointments, and
with large and growing congregations.
THE NAVY YARD
was established by Commander David G. Farra-
gut In 1857, since which time the twelve sue
sessiye eOmmandants have included names that
have become familiar through brave deeds, such
as Rodgers, GOldsborOugh. Craven, Sel1rid e.
Alden and Russell, the last being the present
efficient commandant, who early In the war
gained marked distinction by a skillfully
planned and fearlessly executed boat expedition
into Pensacola harbOr and destroyed the pri-
vateer Judith. lying under the heavy guns OF
the rebel fort and batteries.
From a small supply depot the yard has
grown to be Of the first Importance In the value
of its plant and extensive facilities OF doing all
the work OF construction and supply Of a naval
establishment. The workshops are filled with
efficient tools and Its skilled labor unequalled.
We were fortunate in being able to witness
the docking of the old Hartford, the present
flagship OF the Pacific fleet. She is the noble
ship in which the founder of this navy ward
gained his well earned and lasting renown. As
we watched her being gently lifted from the
water mental picture was formed of how
had the torpedoes In Mobile bay exploded, over
which the intrepid Farragut from his perch In
in the rigging, forced her by the command, ito
go ahead regardless of tOrpedoeS!"
THE NEW DRY DOCK.
Immediately adjacent to the floating dock on
which the Hartford is peacefully Graded is the
new stone dry dock now rapidly approaching
completion. Its massive walls and floor are
made Of concrete, laid carefully in place. and on
which granite facing is being laid. 1t is the
largest structure In the world built in concrete,
and forms a monoith without line or seam, and
impresses even the uninitiated with its grand
proportions. 1t is a beehive of industry. with
its powerful derricks, swinging the huge blocks
of finely cut granite into the places prepared for
them. and from which only the most violent
CONFUSION Of nature could displace. When
completed this will be the largest granite-faced
dry dock In the world, and worthy OF this great
country. Civil Engineer c. c. WOlcOtt, U. s. N,
has had charge of this work for the past two
years.
THE MICHIGAN AND THE MoSADNocK
Lying under the large masting derrick is the
new MOhican, recently built at this yard under
Naval Constructor Much, and launched last De-
cember. She is now receiving her boilers and
engines, and is splendid specimen of naval archi-
lecture; an unusually happy choice was the name
given her. for she Is probably the last war vessel
that will be built of wood.
Immediately astern of the Mohican is the I'M
finished MOnadnock. thoroughly rebuilt, as far
as possible, with the money appropriated, by
SecOr d Co., under the superintendent Of Mr.
T. F. Secor, at their works in Vallejo, opposite
the yard. She awaits the uncertain action of
Congress for the necessary money to complete
her, and, when finished, with heavy armor,
powerful guns, and small exposed target sur
face, with fair speed, she will encompass all the
desideratum of ship Of war, and will mate
rally assist in securing San Francisco, our only
at least few Of the weaker foreign powers.
SOCIAL LIFE AT THE "YARD"
The home-life Of the officers and their fami-
lies who are stationed at this beautiful yard,
must be charming;' isolated to great extent by
distance from the social gaities Of San Francis
CO, they are dependent on themselves for amuse-
ment, and, having common interest, are Of one
accord The cOmmandant and his family are
unttring In their hospitality, seeming to derive
the greatest pleasure in bringing all together.
The temporary presence Of the Hartford has
added large number Of new members to their
pleasant circle, which includes many well-known
In Washington among whom are Admiral Up
sher, Commodore Russell; Capt McNair, who
is well-known throughout the navy for his able
administration at the naval academy; Comman-
der Rodgers commanding the receiving ship In
dependence; Medical Inspector Kindleberger;
Chief Engineer Moore, formerly at the WASH
ington yard; Civil Engineer Wolcott, who as an
officer OF the army, was stationed some years IN
Washington; Lieut.. and Mrs. Qnattrough, who
are well remembered; Major Collier and Capt.
Williams, Of the marine corps Chief Engineer
Kutz, Paymasters Redfeld and Fulton; Capts.
Glass and KemDf: Lieut.. Cuts. Constructor