New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-04-15
TO EDUCATE SHIPBUILDERS.
WHEN OLD THEY WILL BE CARED FOR
WILLIAM H. WEBB SHOWS HIS INTEREST IN TIE
TRADE TO WHICH HE OWES HIS WEALTH

WILLIAM II. WEBB SHOWS HIS INTEREST IN TIE
TRADE TO WHICH HE OWES HIS WEALTH
To tho already imposing list Of New YOrk's phl.
lanthropsts must soon be added the name Of William
II. Webb the wealthy retired shlpbullder of No 504
Fifthave, who proposes to expend great deal Of
money along lines suggested by HIS practical business
career. Senator Robertson has introduced into the
Senate bill Incorporating "Webb's Academy ard
Home for Shipbuilders." As trustees OF the instiu-
ton are designated the president OF the New-York
Chamber OF Commerce. the president of the New.York
Hospital member Of the General Society OF Mechan-
les and Tradesmen Of New York, to be designated by
the society professor Of applied mathematical
science In Columbia College, be named by the trus
tees thereof and Richard PoIlon, Henry Steers,
Andrew Reed, Charles H. Cramp, William Henry
Webb, Thomas L. Rowland and Stevenson Taylor The
institution Is designed TO afford grautous aid relief
and support to aged decrepit, invalid INDECENT, dis
tressed unfortunate shipbuilders marine engine
builders Of this country, together with their wives
and its further object IS to furnish to worthy and
petent young men, natives or citizens Of the United
States, gratutous education in the and science and
profession Of shpbuiding and marine engine build.
Ing both theoretical and practical and to support and
maintain them while obtaining such educatoin
Messrs. Polon, Steers, Reed, Cramp and Webb are
or have been shipbuilders, and Messrs Rowland and
Taylor builders of marine engines. Vacancies in
either Of these classes be filed by vote Of all the
builder, the may be, shall be eligible to cleo
ton to FIJI such vacancies The trustees
powered to vary the number Of penslonares and stu
dents Of the Institution, in accordance with possible
fluctuations in the annual income and the act further
provides that nothing but the income OF the real
other property devised by William Henry Webb
shall be applied to the erection of the ecce and
buildings.
Mr.. Webb TO Albany TO oversee in person he
Introduction If HIS bill into the legislature Upon
his return he by aTRIBUSE reporter, TO whom
he consented to give further tails of HIS plan
The institution, he said, IS to be upon tract Of thr
teen Sedgwick-ave, Fordham Heights, mid
way between Kings Bridge and the bridge being
built The land adjOns small park laid Gilt on the
plans of the city. The style extent of the buildings
has not yet been decided upon, nor architect
chosen 1t is probable that architects will be invited
to offer competitive plans, of which the most suitable
will be adopted.
The idea Of such Institution ths,' said Mr..
Webb, has been in my mind for a long time, but 10
has been taking shape especially during the last
three years Cases have constantly met me Of ship
builders who, after long lives Of honest Industrious
toll find themselves, through no fault of their own,
reduced uter destitution In their old age To pro-
vide for such happy and cor frrtable haven IS
one of wy objects. Scarcely less important is tho
other, to educate poor young men who wish TO learn
the sblpbullders trade. There has never been an
institution where It could be properly learned.
Draughting Of its necessary branches, but
when l young man there were no facilities for
acquiring a thorough knowledge of draughing, and
there
The only place where course such as wish 10
found is offered is at Annapolis, where a few young
men get smatterng of draughting shipbuildng, en-
cheering and natheGatics The public schools ara
adopting industrial educ alton, which IS good things
but which affords only manual training. The educas
ton propose offer viii be theoretical, and prac-
teal as II can be made without actual work in tho
ship yard. Some people may think me foolish, but
my idea is emphatitaly Ind rsed by many cOmpetent
Judges including Professor Tro @bridge, who Will prob
ably be Columbia representative In the board OF
"po you anticipate that the completion OF your
plans and the opening Of the academy Will be coinvi-
dent with the revival OF American shipping and Of our
shipt uilding industry ~
don't know how soon It will come, but this coun-
try cannot become great unless We are a maritime
nation. All history teaches that. The West ia
beginning appreciate It, and Is Withdrawing It's ops
position ard the South has already waked up 10 TO-
alization of the fact
. "Win you state the amount Of the endowment you
mo l don't care to do that Just yet, NOE can
estimate approximately how much II Will cost 10
finish and equip buildings. The endowment Will be
sufficient ant I'm eve,y way the Institution VIII be
made IS stable as POSSIBLE. One indie alton Of this In
teoh is seen I'm the composition Of the board OF trus.
fees The first four VIII be ALWAYS representatives, OF
institutions enduring the city. tie NeW-forA
Hos pital, the New-York Chamber Of Commerce, 90
mmbia College and the General Society OF Mechanlcs
ard Tradesmcn the next five are always 70 De prac-
teal shlpbuilders, and the other two marine engine
t,fIda