The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1892-01-30
The Naval Station at Algiers.

The introduction OF a bill into Congress
for the establishment OF a dry dock and
naval station on the Mississippi River at
Algiers comes at an opportune moment
The lack Of adequate facilities for naval re-
pairs and supplies on the thousands Of miles
OF coast south OF Norfolk. long apparent.
has been made particularly manifest dur
ing the last three months.
II Is true that We have the yard at PEN
sacola. and that new timber dock is under
construction at Port Royal But years ago
1t became manifest that in the long stretch
between the Savannah River aud the Rio
Grande there should be other accommoda.
tions for the new fleet.
Our steel war ships require more frequent
docking than their wooden predecessors,
since they are not sheathed. Rust. barnacles,
and weeds accumulate rapidly on their huls.
particularly when they lie in port in tropical
waters for weeks together. Unless they
arc scraped and painted at least three times
ayear. the marine growths greatly dimin-
ish their speed, and much larger con-
sumption Of coal is needed In their
cruising. Up to few years ago
the Government had. exclusive OF two I'M
important floating structures. only four
docks. and the only dock large enough for
the largest war vessels at that time
planned WIS at Mare Island. The first step
was to provide three new timber docks.
which not only could be made of the re-
Qulred size and rapidly built. but were
much cheaper than the granite structures
and easier to keep in repair. These now
docks were placed ut Brooklyn. Philadel-
phia, and Norfolk.
Long before they were completed the
need of three moro docks became apparent
one for the Atlantic coast south OF Cape
iiatteras. which accordingly was placed ut
Port Royal: second for tho Pacific coast.
and for this n site at Point Turner. Port
Orchard. in Puget Sound. was chosen; while
third was. to be built somewhere on the
shores OF the Gulf OF Mexico or the waters
connected Herewith. This last Is the one
now under consideration.
It will probably be admitted that tho
Government reservation at Algiers. OPP
posite the lower part OF New Orleans. does
not furnish all that is desirable as the site
al a naval station. The objection to it,
however. which is founded on its liabil-
lily at times tn yellow fever. would ap-
ply more or less to other sites on the
is needed there. No doubt some skilled
mechanics would hesitate to go to Algiers,
or would quit the place during the preva-
lence OF fever or through fear OF its ap-
proach. This trouble has greatly impaired
the usefulness OF Pensacola. Still. the OBJ
lection is clearly not insuperable. and while
the city OF New Orleans flourishes. a Gov
eminent navy yard opposite ought to be
able to carry on its work. Another objec-
ton. tho liability OF the place to be flooded
by the Mississippi freshets. has been urged
against Algiers. and several years ago the
friends OF other sites sent to the Naval
Committees OF Congress photographs show
ing the spot selected at Algiers as 1t looked
on one occasion when submerged. But that
also can BIZ obviated.
Three years ago Secretary WHlTNEi ap-
pointed Commission, consisting Of Com
modore MCCAIN. Capt. BOYD. and Lieuten-
ant-Commander BRowNsoN. to select q site
Tor . naval station in or near the Gulf waters.
rsair report declared that eater carefully