New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-08-03
THE NEW-LONDON NAVY YARD.
IT'S IMPORTANCE As A PART OF THE DE
FENCES OF NETWORK
BASE OF SUPPLIES NEEDED on THE THAMES

BASE or SUPPLIES NEEDED on THE THAMES
FOR OPERATIONS on LONG ISLAND SOUND.
New London, Aug. (speciaD.-The question Of the
rehabilitation Of the Navy Yard here is which tho
presence Of the Squadron Of Evolution the Naval
Reserve Of New-York has again brought into prorni-
hence The fact that the outer eastern line Of do
fences of NewYork Is at the eastern entrance Of
Long Island Sound has rendered the long neglected
Navy Yard here position Of great Importance. The
plan for tho ratification OF Fishers Island, Plum
Island and other points which command the entrance
Of the Sound has already been prepared. In case Of
war these coast defences would be supplemented by
fleet which would operate in conjunction with them.
The feet must have base OF supplies and the natural
base is in NewLOndon Hero should be a completely
equipped machine shop and dry dock
II a vessel Of was injured in a battle one
day, she might, II these provided into the
Thames River and. secure among the towering hills
which surround the Navy Yard. be repaired so that
She could take her place In the fleet the next day.
The defence Of tho Race and OF Fishers Island SOUND
Is most vital to NewYor for the passage forced
by hostile fleet, landing could be effected on Long
Island the main land and the great city, attacked
by land and sea. would be likely 10 fall
II here that the battle Of the future for the pos
session Of NewYork will be fought The defence Of
the eastern entrance Of Long Island Sound Is Of vital
Interest 10 the entire country Besides the possible
capture Of NewYOrk, there would be the exposure Of
the entire Connecticut coast TO the Of the
enemy. In this connection IT must be remembered
that about so per cent OF all the munitions Of war
(arms, cartridges, etc. manufactured In the United
states made In Connecticut II Is not proposed
to make the Navy Yard here ship building yard, but
simply one which could properly furnish base for
fleet operating Off the eastern entrance OF the sound
The construction Of freshwater basin for the laying
up Of steel ships Is also contemplated. az the place
offers every natural advantage for such BASIN Just
above the Navy Yard two fresh-water coves. fed
by large brooks The bottoms Of these coves are COM
posed Of soft mud, easily dredSed and they would
afford sufficient space for the laying up Of any fleet
OF vessels which is likely 10 be ont of commission
The present Navy Yard is one-eghth OF mile
wide, and extends along the shore Of the river for Q
mile and half. The surrounding land is not valuable
for agricultural purposes. IL consists mostly Of rocky
hills, and could be purchased for moderate amount
by the Government 1t is especially adapted for the
site of magazines for the storage Of high explosives.
High explosives have 10 be stored In detached maya
zines, and in the various hoOws between the hills
such magazines could be readily but Altogether, 10
looks as if the day Of the rehabilitation OF the New
london Navy Yard was close at hand. New-lork
being virtually interested In 1t part OF It's outer
line Of defences II Is thought that there viii be no
difficulty in getting the necessary appropriations