Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1891-11-29
TARGeT-PRAcTlcE.
Yorktown Harbor Selected for the New
CruIsers-Hop at the Garrison.

CruIsers-Hop at the Garrison.
Correspondence Of the Richmond Dispstch.l
OLD POINT CoMFoEr, Va, November 2S,
When Secretary Tracy was looking around
for O nice quiet place for target-practlce-'
a place where the guns of the new cruisers
could have q clear sweep in still water
without the fear of sinking passing yes
sel--it occurred TO him that York river
would FL the requirements admirably. lie
had visited that locality during the, cen
tennial year and noted the hand
sOme sheet OF water, laying oeiow
Yorktown, and not unlike the lower bay
of New York harbor; he had also noted
the wonderful stagnation which settled
over Yorktown after CORVALLIS surrender,
and which up 10 the present time hangs
over il like O pail. Accordingly when the
heet was assembled in Hampton Roads last
spring they were sent up to this ancient
seaport, usually one at time, so that the
fresh provisions might be equally distrl-
buted, where they awakened the echoes
and alarmed the countrymen for miles,
who came down to see If another war was
in progress.
WE'LL SATISFIED.
They were greatly pleased when they
found the feet was not hostile one. and
at once returned 10 their farms 10 gather
up theIr chickens, eggs, and milk, which
thew readily sold at double the usual
rates There was not much ashore TO at
tract either the officers or men OF the
squadron, and now as the vessels nre
moving southwark tor their winter cruise,
they have orders to stop at York
town for Encyclopaedia and bost-drllls.
The Atlanta was the first to reach the
Grounds and opened are last Saturday.
She was ioiued by the bennington, which
had put into Hampton Roads for some re-
pairs 70 her pumps on Sunday, and the
Newark leaves New York to-day for the
same purpose. When they have COM
pleted their practice these vessels. will
rendezvous and proceed South like
flock Of white geese.
EIEoTRIo RAILWAY.
About one hundred workmen, armed
with picks and shoVels, arrived hero from
Ham ton Monday morning and broke
ground in front of the hygeia Hotel Tor
the new electrio-road. Mr.. Darling, presi-
dent Of the road, Is pushing 1t vigorously
and hopes 10 have cars running through 70
Hampton before January lst, The track
will be extended down to the end OF the
new wharf, and 1t ia understood that nat
cars will be put on to handle the immense
quantities of oysters and vegetables which
are annually shipped from this point.
THANKSGIVING HOP.
The event of the week in social circles
was a handsome Thanksgiving hop rem
by the officers and ladies of the garrison
on Wednesday evening. II was like q
large family gathering, none but the resi-
dents of the garrison and their guests
being present. The handsome hall was
tastofully decorated with bunting, Ia
which the flags of Great Britain, France,
Germany, Russia, Austria, Italy, and
Of nf hNQVW
silk, were conspicuous. Da2eing opened
shortly after 3, and was Kept up
with spirit until midnight. This is the
regulation hour for closing and IS 30 reli-
giousiy observed as the firing OF the gun at
sunset. The party then adjourned 20 the
officers elub-room, where recherche sup
per was IN waiting where an hour was
most delightfully."- spent IN discussing 1t.
MORE oARRIsoN BUILDINGS.
General Charles II. Tompkins, chief
quartermaster, Department of the East, ar
rived hero from Governors Island We'd
nesdsy morning on tour of inspection.
His visit was to see II the locations select
ed for the new quarters recently authorized
We're suitable for the purpose, and TO in
form himself IS TO how much available
space for building purposes still re-
mained on the reservation. 1t Is pro-
posed TO construct IN the near
future q new hospital, and also new
stable for public animals, and as there IS
three branches of tho Government repre-
seuted heEe--the engineers, ordinance, and
quarterlnasteF's departments--ea making
claim 60 certain sections Of the land, he
was anxious 10 sec just what was available
Tor future use. General Tompkins was ac-
companied by bis charming daughter. Miss
julie Tomp}ins. who will spend a month
81 the post. the guest of Miss May Miller.
SOCIAL NorEa.
Mrs. Bodell, who has been visiting
friends In Washington, returned home
Thursday morning.
Colonel Joseph w. Hates. general SUPER
intendeDt OF The Postal-felegraph Com
pany, was registered at the Hygeia on
Monday.
Mi. q. Z. Brown, clerk at the Hvgeia.
has returned from months visit in the
snow-elad halls Of Vermont.
The following RichmoadeTs have regis
tered here during the week D. N. CurFie.
John Currie. -. N. Walker, Joseph w.
Hates. W. q. GRADY, Arthur Il. Pleasants.
Mrs. s. p. Carr, Miss Frazer, Walter 4.
Arlington, hrs. Sidney y. Dudley, Miss
Lacy Atkinson, II. O. HayresL