The morning call., 1893-07-03
Scenes of Activity at Mare
Island.
THE RECENT IMPROVEMENTS
Commodore Kirkland, the New Com
mandant-Outlook for the
Naval Reserves.
Correspondence Of THE MORNING CALL

VALLEJO. July 2-The Fourth Of July
will be duly celebrated at the maynard
by the firing Of a national salute and the
floating of the American ensign from
every masthead. No work will be per-
formed and the day will be given up to one
of pleasure.
Quite large discharge OF employees in
tho various departments occurred during
the past week owing to lack OF funds. con-
tngent to the closing up of accounts for
the past fiscal year. The coming year
promises to be one of activity.
Near the new stone dry-dock excavations
are being made for foundations for the
new benchng rolls. From appearance
the beds will be of sufficient strength to
bear the greatest weights that they can
ever be subjected to.
Buildings will soon be- erected over
them.
New wires have been strung on all the
poles recently erected. The network of
wires leading from the gatehouse over
head have all been taken down and hun
dred-wire cable placed in the ground for a
distance of several hundred feet. This is
a decided improvement over the former
style.
a new system of fire drill went into
effect last week. The alarm was turned
in after dark, and after very few minutes
several powerful streams of water were
being thrown by the fire engines.
The eXamin alton for tiremen to fill va
cances in the construction department
took place last week. The result will not
| be known until the report Of the board
reaches Washington. The general opinion
| was that the examinations were conducted
In the most fair and impartial manner
that could be had.
the yard, Commodore William A. Kirk
land, U. S. n. is an officer we'll versed in
the duties. having been stationed at the
Navy-yard, League Island, for the past two
years as commandaDt; also at the New
York yard and other points. number
of years ago he served in the Pacific
SQUADRON, and is no stranger to this coast.
In appearance he is tall and commanding,
and every inch naval officer. Saturday
the name, rate, occupation, where born.
whence appointed and rate OF pay was
taken of every person, either stationed or
employed at the yard, for insertion in the
United States Biennial Register. There is
no political significance attached to this
information.
The naval reserves, when an Oppor-
tunity occurs, will exercise at sea. 1t is
not the desire Of the department TO follow
the practice of drilling the men OF the
naval militia on shore and ships In the
vicinity of their homes. 1t Is believed
that better opportunity will be afforded
the men to familiarize themselves with
practical seamanshp by sending them out
of sight of land AS soon as proper ship
can be spared the reserves at San Fran
cisco will probably 6e given an Opportun-
lty Of sea life and drill.
A change has been made at Washington
in the me thOd of medical examinations Of
officers for promotion or retirement. Here
| tofore medical officers serving on the regu-
| lar Promotion Board also served on the
Retiring Board. In case an officer was ex-
| amined for promotion and failed physi-
| cal!y he was then ordered to examination
| for retirement. and the same medical Off
GERS were called upon to pass on his case.
| Surgeon-General Tyron suggested change
iu the method, which has been approved
by Secretary Herbert, who Immediately
assigned Medical Directors p. S. Wales
and G. S. Beardsley, now on duty, as the
medical officers of the Retiring Board. No
change was made in the Promotion Board.
1t is the intention of Surge General
Tyron to come out to the Mare Island yard
on tour of inspection within the next
year.
Lieutenant Commander Charles S.
Sperry and Naval Constructor w. l..
Caps, professor Of mathematics, have
been appointed to consider and report
upon the plans and bids for constructing
the new submarine boat authorized by
Congress.
Paymaster J. @. Barton, U. S. n. re-
Gently attached to the yard, owing to cou-
tinued ill health will soon be examined
for retirement. The friends Of the pay
master are in hopes that much-needed
rest will help to restore him to health.
The wife and daughters or Rear-Admiral
j. S. Skerrett arrived on the coast few
days ago and will take the steamer China
for Honolulu
The Thetis is ready for sea.
A large lot of powder was shipped from
the yard for the East during the past
week.
A new twelve-ton derrick has just been
erected near the stone drydock on con-
crete foundation. This will be found of
much service.
A number Of very fine colts belonging to
the Government are being reared under
the fostering care of Stable keeper
Nichols.