The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1892-08-01
FROM MARE ISLAND.
an Order Concerning the En-.
pl0yment Of WOrkmen.
The Naval Observatory and What Is Done
There-A Better Water Supply
Greatly Needed
Correspondence Of THE MORNING CALL

Correspondence OF THE MORNING CALI
VALLEJO, July 3l.-In the matter of CIV
ing employment at navy-yards, the Secre-
tary OF the Navy gives preference to all
veterans OF the war. An order has been
recently Issued that after these applicants
VINO have formerly been employed as ap-
prentees at navy yards, and who present
to the Board OF Labor Employment tile
certificates referred to in the regulations for
the admission OF apprentices to the navy
yards of the United States, stating they
have served full time and certifying to their
good conduct and proficiency, will be certi-
ned as those not veterans who have had
experience and given satisfaction in navy
yard work. The experience must, however,
De IN the same kind OF work to which he
was apprenticed or in a kindred trade.
Helpers are to be considered in the line OF
promotion in the trade to which they are
assisting When they have shown the
necessary capacity in the trade in question.
rs shown by certificate from the head of
the department under whom they have
served. and where vacancies occur in that
trade. lle helper is to be- rated TO ill such
vacancy.
THE OBSERVATORY.
The observatory up on the brow of Irwin
Park hill, under the supervision of Lieuten-
ant Charles T. Pond, is an interesting place.
Here all OF the chTOnometers are kept and
rated daily. AS soon as a ship-of-war ar
rlves one OF the first moves made is 10 take
the chronOmeters and barUmeters for
ratings. Every day at noon a tIme-ball is
hoisted IN front OF the observatory aud
dropped by electricity at the exact hour of
noon. by the same means and at the same
moment the tlme-ball is dropped automat-
lea Is from the signal station on Telegraph
Ill., San Francisco. The wire runs directly
from the observatory through the branch
cIhce In the city. Shipmasters. who were
formerly entirely dependent on shore rat
lngS Tor their chTonOmeters, appreciate the
service TO high degree. The time is often
sent up TO Puget Sound direct. Constant
aud daily care IS required at the obserya-
tory, ami II IS we'll maintained.
Word has been received TO commence
making the necessary repairs to the Thetis.
She Will be fitted with new propeller and
OF style that Is expected ~ develop eonsid-
cradle speed. When ready for sea she will
so down The coast as far as Lower Caifor-
MA TO complete unfinished surveys Of the
coast.
The Naval Lyceum is one Of the most
pleasant, instructive and attractive resorts
At the station. 1t is well supplied with ali
the leading papers and periodicals pub
iished; the shelves are stocked with all
authorities on naval matters. Many rare
aud curious objects gathered from all parts
OF the world form an interesting study to
the permanent or transient visitor the
privileges Of the lyceum are extended 10
such officers Of the oayy and marine CORPS
ana their families as may be temporarily
at the yard or attached 10 the vessels in the
harboT or otherwise.
FOR THE MONTERREY.
The Equipment Department has force
OF 10 or y sail-makers at work on the
4 hey Will be made OF the best material
possible. as the tests given by the board of
inspection are rigid, and none but first
class canvas viii be passed.
The Ordnance Department has n small
force employed in necessary work pertain
Ing TO ordnance. The new buildings pro-
posed for prenaring ammunition will prob
ably be located near the naval cemetery,
between two hills, where danger Will be
less liable 10 surrounding property in case
or another accident.
Tomorrow afternoon the cemetery will
be the center OF interest, as the dedication
Of the sailors monument erected by the OIL
GERS and men OF the United States steamer
Boston Will take place. The cemetery lies
on gentle slope OF ground facing Vallejo
and is well shaded by trees. Ii a system Of
water-pipes were run through the grounds
and an ample supply Of water obtained this
coo.. DC made one OF the most beautiful
spots on the island. There are several fine
ply Of fresh water Is something that is
greatly needed at the yard. In times past a
number OF attempts have been made 10 pro-
cure supply by means OF artesian wells
In each case the labor has been in vain so
lar as procuring water In any quantity is
concerned. The last attempt was made in
spot abreast OF South Vallejo. A depth
Of 1900 feet was reached. Al The depth OF
80 feet small flow OF water was found;
also "a stream of gas vas obtained, which
lan tad ras.1 tsrt n hill
The water now used at the ward is conveyed
across the river from Vallejo in pipes, and
in case OF breakage, which frequently occurs
by anchors OF schoOners or ships becoming
entangled In the pines, recourse is bad to
Lake Rodgers. which j. not at all times full,
or TO large cisterns located in various spots
about the yard. If Congress apprOpriates
the funds another attempt will be made to
obtain water by artesian means. The ex-
pense AZ first would be large, but in the end
would prove saving 20 the Government.
WORK on THE MoNADNoCK
While In dock the work OF STRENGTHENING
the stern OF the MOnadnOck will be prose-
cuted. She Will ultimately be provided
with new pr0pellerS OF an improved pat
tern. a large gang OF men are at work
aboard OK her and on various parts Of her
outfit aud engines in the shop.
The old schooner OunaIaska is lying I'm
the mud hard and fast When the tide
comes In she Is completely submerged, her
maStS only 10 be seen out OF water. This ia
the vessel III which Lieutenant Stoney made
his famous trip up the Yukon River, and
by aid OF the steam S,ernwheel launch ex-
plofed the country, passing up the river
over 800 miles further than any white man
had ever been. On his return he came in
with flying coiors and saluted the command
ant with - guns from his battery of a ono
l2-pound boat howitzer, said to be the
smallest craft that ever saluted on its arrival
at the Mare Island Navy-yard.
A SMALL MARINE GUARD.
1t is long ways from home TO 90 for
news, but newspaper called the Globe and
Laurel, published al Chatham England has
just been received. in which it is stated:
The smallest marine guard In the American
navy Is In the steam tug wv, which plies
between the Mare Island Navy-yard and
San Francisco. the guard in question being
composed OF one sergeant, who is officer and
guard IN himself. He performs the duty re-
CURED OF him In as satisfactory manner
as though there were 20 on board.
Quite large sum of money was paid out
during the week, ii being the semi monthly
payday in the yard. The new system has
now been In vogue for two or three months,
anu what many OF the merchants go long
clamOred for, and even petitioned 10 the
Secretary of the Navy, or were about to
when the order was issued to pay the en-
ployes twice month, they now regret and
long Tor the old system of payday once a
month.
BArrLE-SCaRRED TURRETS
Lying alongside Of the sectional dock
basin are The two old turrets formerly on
board OF the monitor Monadnock. They
bear several large dents where hit by can
nOn-bals during the civil war. The guns
OF to-day would drive a shot clean