, 1889-03-14
COMMISSION IMPRESSED !
LACK OF RAIL ROAD MENTIONED
Our Coal Facilities Dwelt Upon.

\ mere beautiful day Codlt not have
been presented the naval commission
! than the one OF yesterday. The sun rose
in all its grandeur, and tingcd the grand
OLYMPIC range with many colors. Mount
Baker stood out in bold relief, and added
much to make the scene perfect.
The commission, accompanied by the
following named gentlemen, Mayor
Learned, General Gibbon, Capt Wood
ruF, Capt. Bainbridce, Dr. Worthington,
Lieut. Calhoun, y. w. Smith, J. Z.
Clark. DR. Glcnnau, Judge Swan, X. c.
Hill, VIM F. Newell and Capt Glover,
went on board the steamer Manzanita at
. 30 Yesterday morning, and then pro-
cccdot to Irondale Here the commits
sion made a thorough examination 81 the
Puget Sound company's iron works, and
expressed themselves highly pleased
with the manner in which the same Is
conducted. Mr.. Smith, the supcriu-
tendent, was very courteous, indeed, and
afforded every facility in his power, to
give the commission an exact idea OF the
iron works. The commission have taken
samples OF the iron for future reference.
The commission occupied at least an
hour and hall in the examination Of
the works
The commission then proceeded to
James Quarry, but did not land, deem
ing 4 passing view sufficient.
Mr. kendrick was then taken on board
from HadIock, for the purpose OF giving
information upon the lumber question is
the commission desired.
The steamer Manzanita then steamed
to the head OF Port Townsend bay, where
the commission and reception committee
disembarked, and proceeded TO Oak Har-
Dor, there to inspect the portage. After
this they proceeded to Scow bay, where
they were met by steam launch upon
which they embarked, which enabled
them to carefully inspect that bay. The
Manzanita in the meantime had steamed
20 the entrance of Scow bay into Port
Townsend bay and there awaited the
return of the commission. At o'clock
the commission returned to the city and
proceeded to the office of the Port Town
send Southern railroad, where they were
met by Judge Kuhn who fully explained
what the incorporation intended TO do.
The commission then visited the
foundry, where they were conducted
through the same by Mr.. Fox, foreman.
Here they were shown some Chimacum
iron, with which they were very much
pleased. They then upon invitation of
Judge Swan visited his office and were
entertained Cor sometime by an examiR
alton of his very interesting col lection Of
curiosities.
The commission expressed tn hemsclyes
fully upon the advantages possessed by
spoke of the splendid harbors; their ac-
feasibility; the grand timber lying ad.
jacent thereto. The commission laid
particular stress upon the lack of rail-
road facilities. his they deem an i'm
portant factor in selecting a site for the
naval station. They also asked paEticu-
larly about our ability to furnish coal,
and if there were any indications OF coal
in our vicinity.
The commission desire to select a site
that does not necessarily need TO be pre-
tected by men-of war, but which caG be
secure against attack, by it's land fortica-
tons.
The commission leave early to-day for
Hood's canal, after an examination of
the same they will proceed TO Tacoma,
where they go to inspect the coal fields
near that city. This will conclude their
inspection OF the Sound, when they will
visit Portland.
The commission judging only from the
many questions that they asked, have
leaning towards Hoods canal, and we
feel certain that the station will be To-
Gated here or that point; If Cur rail-
road was in operation we feel confident
that Port Townsend would be the place;
this being the case the road should be
pushed to quick completion.