The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1897-09-12
NEED or LARGE DOCKS.
This Description Almost Applies tn
Lake Washin@san


The energy which is lcins displayed hy
the Navy department wlta respect 70 the
building OF large docks for the accommo-
datlon II Our navy is gratifying because
II properly directed. It's Efforts may lead to
these necessary structures being built
within a short time. This country has
warshirs which ara among the largest and
finest Of their class ia the world but there
is no suitable place IN home waters 10
dock them in time OF need Thus Ii is
necessary 20 send these vessels 10 some
foreign country where there is suitable ac-
eommodation. This is an. humiliation TO
the United States. for which not even the
sta tement that such foreiRu docking costs
but some S. 900 affords eonsola ton. This
country should have docks on both the At
lantie and Pacific coasts large enough 10
accommodate not only the largest war YES
sells IT now has. but which it is likely TO
have in the near future. and they should
be located in such places As are prac-
tcally impreg enable in time OF war
There is no place on the Atlantic coast
which offers so many advantages for this
purpose and for a general navy yard as
League island, and Il is safe to say that
were It not for adverse political influences
station would have been established
long ago. unequaled anywhere Admiral
Matthews. chief of the bureau of yards
and docks Of the navy department this
week declared emphaticilly hat q large
dock ought To be built a League island.
but he mentions az the same time several
other localities which should not he con-
sidered until this one is an established
fact. Inc congressman who represent
Philadelphia should take this matter mp
with more energy than they have hitherto
done. and they should also take cogni-
zance Of the action or the South Phila-
deiphla Business Mems Association with
respect 10 making League island. what its
situation and capabilities permit the finest
navy yard in the world The association
truly declares that
League island was decided. free of All
cost. TO the government With the under
standing that IL vas 10 be developed into
a first class navy yard.
1t consists Of over 90 acres, an area
officially reported some years ago 10 be
greater than the combined acreage Of the
deck yards Of Great Britain.
1T is ninety miles from the sea- easily
accessible. and Yet so situated as TO be
made impregnabie 10 the attack of any
hostile feet
AS a strategic naval station 81 has been
officially declared 70 be the most import
ant upon the Atlantic coast,
"Ali other ports on the Atlantic coast
could be put under contribution by fleets
within few weeks after fhe declaration
or war.
There il room in League islands basins
for all the armoTsd vessels the United
States may ever possess.
Being surrounded by fresh water. yes
sells would always depart with clean bot
toms. thus avoiding the expense Of dock
ing.
League island is in close proximity to
Pennsylvania coal and iron mines.
IT is within the confines 81 large city.
IA
conduct OF a navy yard abounds.
The situation and is underlying strat-
UNI League island has been officially de-
clared 10 be an ideal site. and 70 possess
the very features which experience has
taught engineers abroad arc n b. sought
in locating docks and dockyarGs. A"
With arguments Ike these backed Up
hy the many communications OF naval
boards a. different times. our congress-
men ought 20 be able 80 accomplish some
thing for the neglected navy yard.