The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1898-05-29
ISLAND CITY NEWS ITEMS.
Naval Board Investigating Sites for
the DRY Dock.
THE IMPORTANCE OF GALVESTON
City Won the Mig Suit for Taxes
No Agreement Between Railroad
Men and ship BROKERS'.


Galveston, Texas. May 2s.-The naval
board, which is here for the purpose OF In
vest'gating the feasibility of constructing
a dry dock somev here near this harbor 10
accommodate the largest hattlesh,p in the
navy, are In consultation with Colonel
Richie today
The question OF locating the lock on the
island near deep water has already been
decided adversely. 1t will not be consId-
cred, as Rear Admiral Ramsay. president
of the board. has expressed the fear that
it would be endangered from the powerful
guns of an enemy. The committee will ex-
anime the proposed sites at Texas City.
Swan Lake and at the mouth Of the San
Jacinto river near La Porte.
For obvious reasons dry dock can not be
located near deep water. aud no matter
which locality secures the coveted prize,
a channel will have to he dug.
When questioned about tho Kind OF .
dock the government proposes to build, Ad-
miral Ramsay said nothing had yet been
determined as to that. but as floating
dock requires a great depth OF water, at
least thirty feet on the sill. there is not
much probability of movable dock being
constructed.
AS stated heretofore, there is DISPOSE
ton on the part of the people OF Galveston
to allow the distinguished naval board to
form their own conclusions. and then. II
there is anything that can be done TO Sc
cure the location for the harbor it Will be
done with all Willingness. AS usual In such
matters, the board will report the result
OF their findings to the secretary of The
navy and nothing will be known until the
report is given out there,
| AS showing what distinguished nava
officer thought of Galveston as the proper
location for a dry dock. the following lette
is reproduced from the Tribune of Septem
| Der %, 1894. 1t was written by Admira
| Meade. then in command of the North Al
lantic squadron, to Mr.. Edison Brace Of THU
| city who had once been under him 1t 1
as follows:
United States Flagship New York. Nav,
Yard. New York, September 10. 1S94.--Dea
Sir: / have just received from you, pre-
sumo, copy Of the Galveston Tribune Q
September /, containing your article ol
Galveston as a naval station. which ap
prove heartily.
Long ago-certainly so far back as 1877
i advocated a station at Galveston for th
event OF war. The Importance OF such
station to the United States is not to b
contested. Galveston is an important STRAIT
egic point and much more the key of tn
gulf" than Key West is now. whatever tn
latter may have been in the days Of sail
ing ships.
Galveston has rich and rapidly grow
ing State behind it and a population Of en-
ergetlc and brave men, as l have goo
reason to know. having blockaded the coas
in 1S64-65.
"By ali means advocate the commence
ment OF station with big dry docks a
Galveston. 1t may be the key to the Mica
ragua canal In the future. Very trui,
yours, H. w. Meadc.
Admiral Meades reference to the Mica
ragua canal, which Is now certain to b
built. reads like an ancient prophecy ful
filled.
The members OF the board have prnc
tically completed their work here and to
morrow afternoon will leave for Sabin
Pass 10 make a similar examination.
This 10 matter to which the people o
Houston ought TO lend helping hand. TIL
location Of dry dock anywhere about thi
hail,or will solve the question of dee
channel up the bayou and viii witness tn
full fruition of Houstons hopes in this re
spect For once this e proposition o.
which Galveston and Houston can yer.
properly unite.