The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1894-12-13
MIR. SIxOA,s LATEST VENTURE.
lie signs Five Years Lease Of the Ship
Yard at EDZabethpsrr, y. j.

NEW YORK, Dec. 12-Lewis Nixon.
who designed the new battle-ships of
the Indiana class ard then resigned
from the navy to becom: suDerin-eu ling
constructed and Is owned by the Samuel
Philadelphia, to-day signed 4 tive-yea"s'
lease OF the Crescent ship-yard at Eliza
bcthport, y. j. Tha Crescent yard was
constructed and is owned by the Samuel
L. Moore * Sons Company Mr. Nixon.
who Is about thirty-two years Old, is
regarded As one of The most notable
naval ship constructors H. the world.
In this connection the New York SUn
Of yesterday says:
Mr.. Nixon superintended the launching
OF the armCred cruiser New York at the
Cramps ship-yard In Philadelphia two
years ago. His youthful appearance
excited great deal of comm INT from
those who were fortunate enough 20
see the New York glide into the water.
Mr.. Nixon was born In Leesburg, Va,
and in 1873 when he was eighteen years
oil. he was appointed a cadet In the
Naval Academy at Annapolis. He gradu-
ate1 AT the head of his class. About
this time through the courtesy Of the
English Government the United States
her most promising young officers 10 pur-
sue postgraduate course In higher
mathematics and shipbuilding at the
Royal Naval College. Ensigns Nixon
and Shock were selected to represent
our Government in this, the most adj
Vanced naval school in the world. En-
sign Nixon, after three years course
there. was as successful as ne had been
AZ Annapolis, and again carried off
the hOnorS OF his class. Our Govern
ment then instructed him TO visit all
N ne great shipbuilding yards Of Europe.
When he had completed this four ne re-
turned 10 the United States ard was
appointed naval constructor He was
ordered 10 join a board that had inStruc-
tons TO settle up the complicated rela-
tons between John Roach and the Gov
eminent He served on various boards
That had in view the building OF the new
navy. until he was ordered to the Brook
Ign navy-yard. When Secretary Tracy
decided 10 have constructed the most
formidable battle-shins OF modern times
Cnief Constructor Wilson ordered Mr.
Nixon 90 Washington and intrusted this
duty 10 him Mr.. Nixon made a rough
draft OF the plans for a battle-ship and
presented them 10 Secretary Tracy
VIII such shin equal the English
battle-shlpsF asked Secretary Tracy.
1T VIII not was the reply.
Secretary Tracy then ordered him 10
draw plans for more formidable shin
Mr.. Nixon added a thousand tons TO his
boat and again presented plans. He
admlitcd' however. that boat con-
be duite equal to the French and English
hattleships.
Then make plans for one that will"
Was Secretary Tracy's comment
TBut We have never launched battle
shin 81 that size in this country" re-
nlied Mr. Nixon.
Secretary Tracy was confident that
such shin could be launched. however
q~d NJ. Nixon Designed third shin OF
1870 tors. OF the Indiana. Massachu-
satts ord oregon tvpe. The C~pn,ns ~
creased their facilities end contracted for
too - THESE ships With 2 u splacemeot
~ 1850 tons Mr. Nixon evolved battle
min thar H. one third more effective than
he English and French hattie ships 81
,be SAME disbursement. and they can sue
eessfuIiv cone II is affirmed with any
~ rnglands big liOO-ton battle ships