Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-01-26
OUR COAST DEFENcEs.
Preparing for the Protection OF
HAMPTON Rond~-Personni.

OLD POINT COMFORT. VA. January
25.-(speclal.) with the exception OF
trip to Newport News for coal by the
flagship New York and cruiser Columbia
there has been no change in the north
Atlantic squadron during the week. The
vessels are swinging peacefully at their
anchors. while the officers are ashore at
the Hygela enjoying the society Of their
wives and sWeethe4rts as often as the
regu.at Jls viii permit. In order 70
make 1t more pleasant for the naval
colony Manager Pike has put the
myslc on three nights in the week, which
affords dancing FOR the young people
Of both branches q the service
COAST DEFENCEs.
The strengthening OF The coast de-
fences IN this section Is about 70 assume
practical shape. some nye or s.A sesis
ago the Eudicott board recommended
that mortar pts be constructed on Dotn
sides u the Roads. u cooperate with
the guns OF the fort. The first one VIII
be located Up the bay shore about
mile and a half west OF the TORT ana
near the post cemetery. standard
gauge railroad viii be built TO haul the
material from the Point When this Is
completed, work on nine mortar pits
Will be commenced. These wiz occupy
a space some $50 feet long, by 80 feet
wide, and be built Of solid concrete. The
work Will cost about 10000, and viii
afford employment to large number
OF workmen. when this line is finished
second line viii be commenced. The lat
ter pits viii be located on the Taylor farm.
near ocean View. where the grvern-
ment purchased forty acres OF land for
fr.f rr 81
These mortar pits viii command the
channel leading into Hampton Roads,
and would make It quite lively Tor an
enemy's vessels.
Captain william Il. Black. United
States Engineer Corps. arrived Monday
70 Inspect the work now IN progress here
under the direction OF Lieutenant Flag.er.
Lieutenant George O. Squire. euperin-
tendent Of the Electrical department OF
the United states Artillery school, IS
receiving the congratulations OF his many
friends on securing the John scott medal
from the Franklin Institute, Of Phl9del-
phia, for a pOiarizing photochronograph
the joint invention az Professor Crehare,
Of Dartmouth College, and himself
This medal Is open FOR competition 70 al
the weird. and Is awarded annually by
committee 20 those who have made the
greatest advancement In science or in
yeutiOn. TIE instrument referred 10 IS
primarily 90 record the Initial velocity Of
shot, an important feature. as 10 bears
directly upon the quality OF the powder,
but Il can be utilized Ia many other de
recuons. That the discovery Is a valuable
one as IS evidenced by the fact that IL car
r!ei OF the medal from 50 many COM
getitOrs.
Lieutenant Squire took a special course
IN electricity al the Johns Hopkins Uni
verslty while stationed az Fort Nc
Henry some three or four years ago.
and IS one Of the brightest young men in
the service.
PERSONAL.
Lieutenant y. Bentley Mott, First Ar
tillery. appointed aide-de-camp on General
Merritts staff. has LEFT for Chicago %
assume his new duties
Mrs Carbaugh. wife Of Captain II. 9.
Carbaugh, Fifth Artillery, gave a very
pleasant reception 10 the officers and
ladies' OF the garrison. ana the naval
contingent this afternoon. There was
large attendance and a very enjoyable
time was had.
Mrs Lieutenant Keniey, who has been
visiting her parents, Colonel and Mrs
Clawsen. Of Washington Barracks, re-
turned 10 the post this week.
Mr. James J.. Welch, Of Clifton Forge.
who was called home last week BY the
death OF his mother. has returned.
The following Richm.nders have reg
istered az the Hygeia Hotel during the
week General Charles j. Anderson. II.
@. Burnett. John D. Parseau, Thomas
j.. Fox. J. Q. Dame, j. ". Nomack'
W. A. Huddleston.