The morning call., 1893-06-13
MAY BUILD HERE.
Mare Islands Means for
Ship Construction.
CONGRESSMAN GEARY'S VISIT
The Nayy-Yard Officials Prepared to
Receive Orders for the Erec-
tion of a War Vessel.
Special to THE MORNING CALL

VALLEJO. June 12.-The visit to Mare
Island navy-yard Saturday last OF Con-
gTessmen L. j. GearY and Warren B..
English has been a matter of speculation
to many. and the story told by those in
position to speak on the matter Is. II true,
exceedingly coed news. That the Con-
gresham should come to the navy-yard so
quietly and depart without 0sten tation,
yet making good use of his time while here,
goes far TO Indicate that the visit was not
purely a personal one. as many concerned
would wish it known, nor political, as some
have stated, but was made, as those say who
are on the inside of things and posted in
navy-yard affairs. at the instance of Secre-
tary Of the Navy Herbert tor the express
purpose of gathering data and Information
for the Secretary as to the practica bility of
building one of the new ships at the Mare
Island hayward.
The recent investigation of the busiu ess
policy and capacity of the management of
the Mare Island naVy-yard by a special
commission chosen by Secretary Herbert.
resulting in a most favorable report being
submitted to the Secretary by Captain E.
O. Matthews, president of the commission,
together with the fact that the Secretary
has power to designate where the new
ships shall be built, aud the INQUIRIES made
by the visiting Congressman has given rise
TO the belief that the Secretary desires to
construct at least one of the ships here.
Congressman Geary while at the navy
yard spent his time in consultation with
the commandRnt, Naval Constructor Tay-
Tor and Chief Engineer Kutz. He inquired
particularly into the facilities for the con-
struction of vessels and whether practi-
cable site for the erection of WAYS was
available. He was given satisfactory proof
OF the practicability and capacity Of the
yard for the construction Of ships.
lie party MADE tour of inspection of
the water front in search Of a site for the
erection Of ways and one was selected in
the site where the Mohican was built.
Before his departure the Congre ssman
assured the gentlemen in consultation
that he would do all in his power to have
one of the ships built at Mare Island
Nayy-yard and that he was in position to
justify him in telling them to GO ahead
making their plans and get ready for the
work.
1t is no secret that Secretary Herbert is
deslrous of having one of the new ships
huilt at Mare Island NaYy-yard, but be-
fore he decides definitely he wants to be
assured that the work can be done with
dispatch and in frst-clasS manner. and to
get this assurance it is supposed that he
requested Congressman Geary to visit the
navy-yaTd.
The necessity of an additional drydock
was also looked into by Congressman
Gsary, who was shown the site determined
upon by Commodore Farquhar while here
4 emily.
III Is safe to say that when Congressman
oesry's report reaches Washington Secre-
tary Herbert win make the same known
and prOmulgate his plans. In anticipation
Of which and on the assurance of Congress-
man Geary that it VIII come, Constructor
Taylor and Chief Engineer Kutz will pre-
pare themselves for having everything in
readiness TO take up the work when The
time comes.