The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1898-11-19

Most people IN Seattle who have kept in
touch with the progress and development
of the Puget Sound naval station at Port
Orchard were taken by surprise yesterday
al the telegraphc report of the reeofamen-
dasions of Chief Endieott OF the bureau Of
yards and docks. as published in the Post
Inteligencer. While recommending addi-
tions TO the presen, plant amounting 70
sS25eo. Mr.. Endlcoti says:
Moderate facilities are valuable at this
station. but Il II be important that this
country equip a frst-class naval station
or yard In this vicinity. near the limit OF its
boundary. which the bureau believes. then
another site should be sought which COM
bines the essential requirements OF such
yard in nearby population. supplying
enough skilled Labor. Il market with sup
plies conveniently and quickly availahie.
and direct railroad connection with trunk
line for quick and economical transporta-
,lou OF material.
The present site possesses none OF these
desiderata. The nearest city of considera-
bile size is fifteen miles away. Communica-
;ion with the rest OF the world is by water
carriage over this distance. and the little
work done az the station has been done un-
"a
has been locked and repaired skilled men
have been supplied and transported AT great
expense from the Mare island yard. Tn
der these conditions IL Is doubtful IL 1t Is
wise 10 build up very large establishment
at this station or provide for more than
docking and slight repairs, unless 40 suita-
bic site near one Of the large cities and
railroad communication can be had
To representative business men OF Seattle
Mr.. Endicott's contingent recommendation
Is little short of a paradox. Before the
location OF the naval station at Port or
chard the people Of this city were desir-
Gus OF having It here. say In Union
bay. which has been highly recommended
by more than one government officer as
suitable for the establishment and main
tenance of a fresh-water basin. Good rea-
sons We're given for such location. some
of which appear below.
Experts select Port Orchard.
But the government decided otherwise.
After careful survey OF various sites moro
or less eligible the location at Port Or
chard was chosen. After ii had been ap-
proved by TWO separate commissions the
ground WAS purchased and the work Of
clearing and construction was begun.
Successive sessions Of congrsss gave adj
ditional appropriations. until che entire
amount expended a the Puget .ouna naval
station amounted 10 more than $4,000.
and the improvements embraced mag
nificen, dry dock of the iarges, capacity.
machine shops FOR construction and repair.
a machine shop for the bureau Of steam
engineering. boiler shop. general store
house a perfect pumping plant. "A central
tfft~ b4If i'm .tff3- R..- a1sS
with an excellent water supply and many
other auxiliary equipments. Provision has
also been made for a lighting plant and
for telephone and ,elographlc connection
vita SEATTLE, in addition to All this Chief
EndIcott himself recommends that the next
session Of congress provi1e for the follow
iug improvements
Pump and hotter house FOR water
AGFk q ? f-o1
Purchase of additional land near wa
~, Smii@g sIf'hES ---'..'.-'+''.,...- l.g.,
Continuing clearing and grading sta
Ton re..+-t--..t.+ +..~.~..-.....-- 1880
Floor for construction and repair
>14p .----..t.- -..s---.-. .-.-..-..-.... Ssssi
Narrow gauge railroad sp.tesn . q 1o
Extension 80 bnIse room AID sfoana
plant for yards and docks .......... 2o00o
Total ..,.-...... ...-.................sss 81 ~,
The esneral features Of the .o.enali
equipment already AZ the station and me
details ~ the work IS il has been carri4d
ora from stage Ia stage nave been So forth
from time 10 time IA the Posi-Ia;eIllEs ncer.
TAat th-s eqai pmen; is incomuiete ana falls
FAR short - satisfying all the demands II
a arss-class aavai station. no one who has
been In any way connected with the sta-
tion has EVER thoag7t of denying. But