Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1888-01-29

Mr.. Melville ont on the subject Of his
Arctic voyage. Once fairly started Mr.,
Melville nniolded much OF his expert
once in the Jeannettes ill-sfnrred expedi-
ton. His narrative was thrilling ono,
and was told with the modessy that be-
longs 10 courageous character. dis
tinouishcd Virginian who WAS present
said Yesterday that never IN bis lie hod
he heard any story told 80 replste with
interest.
SIR. Melville was nearly two hours IN
giving his experiences, and If he had con-
sented would have been kept going two
hours longer.
YESTERDAY.
Yesterday morning the visitors as
gnests OF Mr.. Peter IL. Mayo. took chr.
riaees and were driven 10 the Capitol
and other points OF interest around town,
and ut $50 were luuched at Mr.. Mayos
residence, on west Franklin street, All
OF them pronounced Mr.. Mayo's house
one of the bandsomest they ever saw
anywhere. At 4 O'Clock they dined az
the Exchange, and returned to Wash
ington on the evening train, 1t is De-
lieved highly pleased with their visit TO
Virginis's capital, and convinced that
the Richmond Locomotive and Machine
Works has shops sufficient IN equipment
and extent to do much OF the Govern
ment work. and il we can Judge by some
OF their expressions they will heartily
unite in their report to Secretary Whit
roy that the South should at least be re-
coonized in its official patronage-all OF
which will be good news TO our laborlng
classes as well as others interested IN the
progress ard prosperity of this section.
The Hon. George ID. Wise said yester-
day that he would push the matter
ahead with unhsgging purpose, and that
il meant "the bringing Of SlOO,OUo 10
Richmond"
ITS RULE.
II is an invariable rule with the Fede-
raj Government before giving a contract
TO new firm bidding for certain work to
send engineers to inspect the capacity OF
the works for constructing the machinery
before awarding same.
1t has not vet been decided whether
the engines for the newbattlt ship Texas,
which is to be constructed at Ports
mouth. will be built by the hayward or
by contract. but should it be decided to
bnild this machinery by contract the
Richmond Locomotive and Machine
Works will be strong bidders. The COM
pany will also bid on the new machinery
now being advertised for for the extern
sion of the Portsmouth navy-yard pre-
paraiory to building this ship.
DIMENSIONS.
Such engines and boilers as the Texas
will use will he about 1900 l. II. p, and
worth about 100000 These are triple
expansion engines, having cylinders 36,
/ 81, and 79 inches in diameter by 30
( inches stroke, and the boilers are double
enders. II feet in diameter by II feet
long, and built of Lie inch steel plate.
( Work of such magnitude has never been
done here. Most of it goes to New York
/ and Philadelphia.
WHAT WHITNEY SAID.
/ About two weeks ago Mr.. Trigg, presi
dent of the company, and Mr.. Slmpkin
one of his engineers, visited Washington
and, in conversation, Secretary Whitney
said be was in favor Of the contracts be
ING spread over as large an area Of terri
tory as possible.
CAPACITY.
The Richmond Locomotive and Ma
chine-WoIks now employ about 400 mel
in the various departments, and are pre-
pared to increase the force or add to tht
machinery whenever necessary.
PERSONAL.
Senator Gray, of Delaware, and Repre-
sentatives Elliott, of South Carolina, anC
Wise, OF Virginia, ere members of thu
House Committee on Naval Construc
ton.
Commodore Wilson was the designe
of several of the American battle-ship
now afioat.
Commodore Melville is striking look
ing and handsome man. He is tall ant