The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1895-11-15
TO TRAIN YOUNG MEN.
Naval Instructor Needed at the
University.
PROSPECT OF SECURING ONE.
Regents Want Students TO Learn Naval
Engineering and Iron Shipouild-
ing Not Enough Cadets.

An effort is being made BY the regents
OF the University of Washington, assisted
by Senator Watson c. Squire, to have the
United States government detail an officer
OF the engineer corps to give instruction
in marine engineering at the university,
and the outlook for success seems 10 be
encouraging. The government is in press
ing need Of educated and trained engineers
for service in the new navy, and already
many colleges and schools throughout the
country have been supplied with instruct
ors by the department. Senator Squire,
speaking OF the matter, said:
The act or congress, approved January
Is. 1891. contains provision for the de-
tail OF officers from the engineer corps OF
the navy as professors in the scientific
colleges or schools. with a view to pro-
noting a knowledge OF steam engineering
and iron shipbuilding among the students.
The policy of the government has been
continuous for a number of years in the
direction of encouraging instruction in
these branches. This subject has come up
here at the present time because OF the
contract being let to Moran Bros. for the
construction Of a torpedo boat. That con-
tract will afford a splendid practical Illus
tration OF the work. and of the instruction
TO be obtained in the schools. and ii has
therefore been deemed advisable to make
every effort to secure a professor in our
university here.
More Navy Officers Needed.
There is a great need for additional
officers In the navy, to take charge OF
these wonderful new vessels with their
complicated and extensive machinery, and
the services of thoroughly educated engi-
neers are now called for. The industry OF
iron shipbuilding is becoming important.
and there should be a greater number OF
men fitted for it."
Senator Squire has been in correspond
= A1rrtNl
of the bureau of steam engineering. on
this subject, and has received great en-
enlargement from him in regard TO the
securing of an instructor here. Already
other schools. such as Harvard, Hamilton,
Union. Madison. the Massachusetts agri-
cultural college, the Pratt Institute in
Brooklyn. Lafayette college and many
others are thus provided.
shops ct the Dry Dock.
Senator Squire adds:
There is another reason for such an
instructor coming TO this university. and
that is the establishment Of the great
navy yard at Port Orchard. II / can get
an appropriation propose to have large
outlay for shipbuilding yards there. in or
der to make it such rendezvous as would
be necessary for the repair Of vessels Of
war. We ought to have an appropriation
of several hundred thousand dollars, and
we feel confident of getting it. The estab-
lishment of such shops in the navy yard
would not IN any way interfere with the
work of shipbuilding yards, such as Nor
ans. but it would help them.
Great Demand Tor Instructors.
cit may be that we win have some diff
Guilty In getting this instructor for the uni
versity Immediately, on account of the
demand in other directions. The authori-
ties of the university have forwarded to
the president an application for the APP
pointment. and I know in ADVANCE that
they will have the full support and SYM
pathy of the head of the bureau Of steam
engineering so [ think we have an excel
lent opportunity. The only obstacle is the
insufficient number of officers available.
If the president grants the application,
Chief Engineer Melville will endeavor TO
find a man. ! hope that our people will
send forward to congress a petition in
favor of the passage OF a measure largely
increasing the number Of officers In the
corps Of engineers in the navy. 1t is UNI
derstood that the naval academy has not
supplied enough naval cadets to fill the va
oancies caused by casualties, etc. There
should be legislation by congress to pro-
vide for admission. under suitable condi-
tons. of young men who ha"3 the neces-
sary attainments. The great technical
schools are turning out a large number OF
men well educated in marine engineering.
who only require the experience at sea TO
make them valuable engineers in the navy.
It IS certain that the study of engineering
should be encouraged, so that the country
VIII have a larger number Of trained en-
gineers at its command in case OF war.
IT have taken such a deep interest in
this matter that shall follow ii up at the
next session of congress by introducing
some legislation on the subject. / certain
" think we ought to avail ourselves of the
advantages we have here for the promo
ton OF the study Of engineering, and am
glad that the authorities Of the university
are 50 ready and willing TO cooperate.
i think. also. that the Chamber of Com
merce should act by way OF petition or
memorial"