The Lexington dispatch. [volume] (Lexington, South Carolina) 1870-1917, 1896-08-12

used. The prevailing report OF
steamship captains and engineers is
to the effect the New River coal is
superior to the best Cardiff coal, be-
ing free from sulphur, low in ash,
and at the same time containing q
large per centage Of carbon. 1t is a
steaming coal, easy to work, and in
combustion leaves small amount OF
residue. The United States govern
ment, recognizing the superiority OF
this coal, get their supply for many
of their vessels here, and, cruisers
and battleships are now common
sight in our harbor.
The most important feature Of the
city is undoubtedly the splendid
plant of the Newport News Ship
Building and Dry Dock Company,
costing nearly five million dollars.
This enterprise occupies seventy-6ve
acres of ground, located rather more
than a mile to the northwestward
from the railway and steamship
wharyes. The water frontage is one
hall mile, and the buildings already
in service for various purposes cover
six acres, the actual floor space being
much greater. The specially of this
admissible undertaking is the eco
nomical construction of iron and steel
steamships and iron vessels of all
kinds, ip addition to which contracts
are made for repairs.
Seventeen iron vessels have already
been constructed, six of which are
still undergoing completion, amongst
them the Helena, Wilmington and
Nashville, United States gunboats
The Creole, still on the ways, will be
launched on the 11th instant. Work
has been commenced on two new
battleships, the yard at pre- sent EN-
ploying force of over $500 men.
While this company was the lowest
bidder, still it is understood that
these contracts were awarded after
due investigation and a practical
demonstration to the naval depart
meut that the facilities afforded by
the Newport News Company, its
ample capacity and general equip
ment fully warranted the giving OF
the contracts. The obtaining OF
these contracts in position with the
oldest and best equipped shipyards
of the country speak volumes for the
claims of this admirable shipyard
and the future of Newport News.
Besides this, the fact that this dry
dock is the only one to be found in
the country where ships of such
large capacity can be docked and
overhauled. In order to meet the
growing requirements of the yard
the company has decided upon the
construction of another and larger
dry dock.
During the past year Messrs. Will
liam and Hugh Csskey, two practical
iron and brass workers, have estab-
lished near the shipyard a brass and
iron foundry capable of furnishing
any casting needed in modern ship
building.
Amongst the other industries OF
Newport News are the Warwick
Ironworks, which turns out large
number of ice machines, ETC.; and ice
factory, knitting mill, several wood
working mills and cigar factories.
The city is lighted throughout by
electricity. Abundance of pure
water is furnished by the Light and
Water Company, the capacity Of the
reservoir being 4S0,0oo,000 gallons.
An electric railway connects this city
with Hampton, Old Point and Buck
roe Beach. Three good, substantial
banks flourish here, as do several
hotels, amongst which the Warwick
holds first rank.
Almost all religious and beneficial
and social orders are represented in
this thriving city, and the secular
education OF the young people is well
provided by the public and private
schools.
The business of the port Of New
port News is continually increasing,
the exports for the year ending June
30tb, 1896, being valued at Sl4,S25,-
624. and the custom house receipts,
from all sources during the same
period being S2O7,29S,64.
Fletcher G.. Mitchell.
Newport News, Va, July S, '96.