The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1897-05-13


The Army and Navy Journal announces
that the naval authorities are considering
the desirabilify OF constructing an arti-
fetal basin near Mare island in which to
keep war vessels not needed for active
service.
It seems astounding to any one familiar
with the fact that there il In Lake Wash
ingtor the finest inland harbor In the
world. that a. this late DAY the govern
ment should ba entirely unmindful Of 1t.
One commission after another has been
sent to this Coast for the sole purpose OF
making investigation, and every one OF
them has reported I'm favor of the lake. II
is an old story to as. but IL seems as II
much OF the work that has been done in
securing attention TO the advantages Of
Lake Washington must be done over
again. That an artificial basin should be
constructed on this Coast at enormous
cost In preference to taking advantage of
one magnificentiy created by nature, can
only be attributed TO the ignorance OF the
officers recommending 1t.
AS IL will be necessary to call the atten-
ton of the authorities and to remind con-
gress of the recommendations already
made, II may be just as well to point to the
report of Gen. George B. Mcclellan, who
made personal survey of the country in
1S3 and who advised the war department
to make use of Lake Washington as ''the
finest naval resort In the world Gen.
Alexander said that Lake Washington
would make an admirable position for
naval depot" with almost every
requirement that could be desired.
He said: AN inland establishment at
Lake Washington would probably not
require any defense. and It is pos
sibIe that a capacious ship canal, with one
or two locks. could be made at a first cost
less than that which would be necessary
to fortify an exposed position. IL the
canal Is practicable. the only defense
necessary will be the occupation of the
shores Of Seattle harbor by barbette bat
teries. In order TO secure the outer har-
bor."
Gen. Alexander made a very thorough
examination of the entire Coast from San
Diego TO Puget sound. and he was more
emphatic at the close OF his investigation
than he was at the beginning. IF, says
Gen. Alexander. there were such a
chance to make great naval depot so
entirely secure. with so many advantages
OF climate. OF coal, timber and fresh water
free from ice. at any suitable point along
the middle of the Atlantic front. or even
OF the Gulf coast. of the United States,
do not imagine there would be much hesi-
tation on the subject: the work would
probably be started at once
Gen. Nelson A. Miles made a report to
the United States senate. in which he said:
1T would afford a most admirable harbor
OF refuge and for repairs of ali vessels of
commerce and naval construction In deep
fresh waters"
All that was said ~ these authorities Is
intensified since there has been con-
ssructed by the government. within a few
miles OF the lakes outlet. the largest naval
dock on tho Pacific coast. Then. within a
few miles also. is tA.s finest location on the
Coast for naval artillery practice, all off,
GERS who have been al Port Angeles being
delighted with tho opportunities it affords.
The presence Of war vessels in the fresh
waters OF tho lake would Hberate them
from all tho harnacles gathered on an
ocean voyage. The absence Of tides would
be n considerable advantage; and there Is
n plentiful supply. withou, going outside
the lake. OF coal and lumber.
| War vessels could at the wish az tho
| commanders. be brought 20 within n
| stones throw OF shore. or they could be
! kept out so FAR as 10 be entirely free from
the disadvantage. such as they are. of
being near a large city.
Here Is body OF fresh water. never
! troubled ny Ice land locked and safe from
| an enemy's attack: eighteen miles long.
from two and halt 20 Ave miles vide.
| In a temperate climate. within nitle more
than a mile or 50 Of ocean waters.
nearest che Point on the entire Coast
wiere probably naval demonstration
would Be most desirable; and the govern
uaent proposes % pass Il By and dig hole
ca sry lard.
BY the construction Of short canal the
government could have command OF q
naval depot uncquaiea IN the world. snd
capable % holding the entire navy. But
even without waiting for that. there Is
meantime preparing. n smaller fresh water
depot az the mouth Of ;he Duwamish river.
accessible ~ tBe waterway now under
| construction. which would nfa~s aen,-v
medallion for one or txo warships.
We saust pct On eur armor once more
snd make again a lighs for that which ths
government should be eager to take a..
vantage 81.