The Washington times., 1894-07-28
ADMIRAL WALKERS REPORT
Plan to Make a Coaling Station at
Pearl Harbor Is Feasible.
NO SMOOTH WATER ON THE BAR
Nothing but Loose Sand to Depth Of 80
Feet at Mean Low Water-It Will Take
Between $50, 900 and $1,000 and More
Than Two Years Time to Make the Cut.

Secretary Herbert has received from Ad
miral Walker detailed report of survey
made by him at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, with q
view to the establishment of coaling station
and the results obtained in regard to the bar
and approaches thereto.
The report indicates, although it is not
so stated in words in the report, that the pro-
iect is feasible. The admiral reports that
every assistance was offered him in his work
by the officials CT the Hawaiian government.
The party proceeded to Ford's Island, in Pearl
Harbor, and by permission of the proprietor,
Mr.. c. A. Brown, took up its quarters in two
small buildings on April 30.
This location was the best obtainable, being
but two aud half miles from the entrance,
and within easy reach of fresh water, none of
which could be obtained lower down the
harbor. There is also an excellent water
supply at Pearl City Peninsular opposite the
island.
The report described in detail the establish
ment of the small survey stations, and saws
that during the stay OF the party there was
no absolutely smooth water on the bar. The
report describes current especially on a
flood tide which sets across the bar to the
WtslWdTu, WHICH 10 sdlu " Dt d ulOSl I'LL
portant point taken in connection with the
formation of the eastern ridge. in the event
of operations to cut channe! through the
bar
SWELL HEAVY AT Low TIDE.
1t was also noticed that on all occasions
the swell was heavier at extreme low tide,
smoothing down almost Immediately as the
water began to deepen. This would indicate
that as dredging proceeds the swell would
give less and less trouble. These matters are
mentioned because heavy swell is the only
thing likely to hinder work
The report refers to the fact that until the
surveys OF 1892, it was believed that the bar
was solid coral reef, requiring expensive
blasting operations. 1t describes the tripod
by the aid OF which mechanism the soundings
were taken.
Much difficulty was experienced. appar-
emily. in securing a sufficiently strong and
suitable apparatus, but this was finally done.
and from May 9, when the first successful
boring was made, the work progressed with
only slight Interruptions from the weather
until the last was sunk June 10. The report
describes suction dredge of the Won Schmidt
pattern, costing ST, 900. which is the property
of the Hawaiian government, and which
would undoubtedly be loaned in opening the.
channel leading TO the harbor. The admiral
assumes that this dredge could handle 1900
cubic feet of material month.
NOTHING But LOOSE SAND.
Detailed figures showing the depths OBJ
tanned AT the different borings arc given and
then summarized by yAdmiralWalker as follows:
They show that nothing but loose sand is 10
be met on the line OF the proposed cut TO a
depth of at least thirty feet at mean low water,
that the dredged sand could be safely dis
charged over the western reef by short pipe,
whence it would be carried off by the current.
Allowing $1,000 for the cost of operating the
dredge per month the average cost of the re-
movai of the deposit is 40 cents per cubic
yard. But allowing 80 cents to cover con-
tingencies. the admiral saws that is the pro-
posed cut in the bar be $50 feet wide, which is
as wide as it can be made without touching
the coral and 80 feet deep at mean low water.
il will necessi.ate the dredging OF zoo, 900
cubic yards and will cost 100000.
If the channel be 200 feet wide the cost
would be $4,000. 1t would take thirteen
anu one-half months TO accomplish the first
and ten and two-third months the latter al
though it is recommended that fifteen and
twelve months respectively be allowed. At
one place inside the bar it will be necessary
to widen the channel at a cost OF 5000.
In conclusion the admiral calls attention to
the fact that the stormy season is from No.
vember to February, and that May and June
are the Quietest months in the year