The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-07-05
A SHIP FOR THE RESERVE,
The Naval Battalion Boys to
Go Sailing in the Old
SWatara.
GOVERNOR BUDD'S ERRAND.
at Government Expense If
Suitable.

The Naval Reserve of California is in a
fair way of at last securing ship for
themselves.
Tuesday next Governor Budd will make
an official visit to the Mare Island navy
yard in his capacity as commander-in-chlef
of the National Guard and naval forces of
California. The object of this visit will be
to inspect the old Swatara, which for sew
eral years past has toyed with the waves
in the Napa River, a discarded hulk of the
United States navy consigned to rotten
row.
Ever since the Naval Reserve has been in
existence the influence of the State has
been brought to bear upon the Navy De-
partment to assign one of the old ships to
the reserve as a training ship for the in
struction of this most important branch of
the State forces. Many promises were
made, but until now no actual cOgniZance
of the request has been taken.
Recently Senator White and Representa-
tive English wrote a joint letter to Secre-
tary Herbert reminding him of promises
made. This letter has had the desired
effect and Secretary Herbert has officially
informed the Governor that if the Swatara
would be a suitable ship for training pur-
poses of the reserve the same would upon
his recommendation and resquisition be
fitted out and turned over to the State for
the general use of the reserve.
This is just what is wanted and the Gov
ernor does not propose to lose the golden
egg He has written to Captain Howison,
commandant of the navy-yard, informing
that officer that he will call upon him in
compliance with Secretary Herbert's
wishes.
Since the matter of giving the Naval Re-
serve of California ship has been before
the Navy Department three different ships
have been mentioned as being considered
for transfer to the State. These were the
Hartford, the Trenton and now the Swa-
tara. None of the former ones have been
assured, however, as is the case with the
latter.
In the letter addressed to the authorities
upon this matter it is stated that, should
the Governor deem the Swatara suitable for
the services Of the State, the cost of fitting
her out will be maintained by the United
States, which will reserve the right to
make use OF her as training-school for
apprentices and q recrultlng-ship for the
squadron Of the Pacific
She will be fitted out as full-rigged ship,
with pivot guns and battery throughout.
Her machinery will be left intact, al
though for the sake of economy and in
structions she will be ordinarily sailing
ship. The Navy Department will main
tain a small crew on her with sufficient
officers, who will serve as instructors.
1t is the intention of the Navy Depart
ment to maintain cruising recruiting-ship
upon the Pacific Coast, experience having
taught the department that the Independ-
ence, now at Mare Island. is remote from
San Francisco and men who would ship as
sailors were not prone to go there, while if
recruiting-ship were here an ample num-
Der of recruits could be had to supply
every demand from the ships of the Pa
cihc squadron.
When the Hartford was spoken of for
this service the Harbor Commissioners
assured both the State and Federal Gov
eminent that suitable berth would be
provided for the ship at one of the wharves
on the water front. This holds good with
the Swatara.
1t is doubtful, however, if the Swatara
would be moored at dock for the reason
that better results in instructions could be
had if anchored in the stream.
The Swatara was last surveyed about a
year ago by order of Secretary Herbert for
the purpose named. At that time appro-
priations for repairs were so scarce that
the work suggested by the board of survey
could not be performed. The ship is in
excellent condition and her machinery re-
quires but little repairs.