The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1893-08-01
MONEY FOR A PLANT.
Senator White FaVOrs Shipbuild-
ing at Mare Island.
He Visits the Navy-Yard and Declares
His Intention of Working for
Special Appropriation.
Special to The MORNING CALL

VALLEJO. July 31.-United States Sem
ator Stephen NJ. White and Warren D.
English were the guests of Captain How
ison of the United States navy and CON-
mandant of the Mare Island Navy-yard to-
day. The distinguished party arrived in
Vallejo on Sunday morning, where they
were met by Assemblyman Charles Nc
Cauley, who escorted them to the Bernard
House. where a reception WAS held. Fol-
lowing the reception the party was driven
to Bencia, where visit was made to the
United States barracks and arsenal, re-
turning to Vallejo during the evening.
This morning Senator White aud Mr..
English lett the hotel, going direct to
Mare Island Navy-yard. where they
were received by Captain Howison. Com
mandant Howison. accompanied by As
semblyman McCauley and Chief Engineer
Kut2, escorted his guests on tour OF the
navy-yar0. visiting each and every depart
ment and shop. AS the various shops
were visited Senator White became nm
enthusiastic admirer of the efficient man
ner observed and was warm in his words
Of praise at the way in which the me-
cbanics handled their various assignments.
The party also visited Farragurs old flag
ship, which is now in the drydock. where
some time was spent in visiting the vari-
Gus parts OF the ship.
On leaving the Hartford Captain Howl
son escorted his guests On board the
Monadnock. Here the Senator brought
his notebook into operation, making en-
tries such as will enable him to commend
on the floor of the Senate the work which
the Mare Island Navy-yard is capable Of
turning out
On returning to Commandant Howison's S
quarters, the cOmmandant summoned the
chiefs of the various departments, who
were introduced to Senator White and Mr..
English. Each chief was questioned re-
garding his own department and the
actual necessities requisite to put the same
on footing Of efficiency equal to the navy
yards of the East. Etch officer gave freely
such information as was sought. which
was noted Immediately by Senator White.
During the consultation Senator White
exhibited a marked interest in the Mare
Island Navy-yard. and said to your CORE
spOndent that he would do his utmost to
secure an especial appropriation for Mare
Island. In this regard the Senator stated
that 1t was the desire OF himself aud Of all
Californians in Congress to equip the
Mare Island Navy-yard in most efficient
manner, and to secure the building of one
of the ships now authorized by Congress.
Said the Senator:
"There can be no question in my mind
but that ships can be built in the Govern
ment navy-yards just as cheaply and with
far greater satisfaction in the end than
they can by contract, as is now being done.
For example we have but to view the
work OF the New York Navy-yard To do
this successfully will need but the expen-
diture of COM paratively small amount Of
money, considering the amount that can
be saved, for the erection Of suitable
buildings and the purchase # machinery.
Much of the latter is now here, am told.
aud will soon be housed and In place. To
accomplish this end you may expect to
hear from the California delegation. for
we are one and all emphatically in favor Of
increasing the Mare Island plant. 1t was
to ascertain personally what was needed
and TO consult with Captain Howison and
his chiefs that my visit was made to tho
uavy-yard. l have inspected the plant
thoroughly and made many notes which
| will help the delegation in the work Of
securing special appropriation"
The distinguished visitors were hospit-
ably entertained by Captain Hnwison and
his staff, but owing to the expressed wish
of the Senator no display was made or
salute fred in his honor. Tonight Senator
White aud Mr.. English returned to Oak
land and will leave tomorrow for Wash
inpt0n