The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-11-18
A NEW DRY DOCK
FOR NORFOLK YARD
The Chief Of Yards and Dock Bureau
Recommends One.
IT - A MOST IMPORTANT PORT.
Norfolk's Position and Surroundings
Keep IL in the EorcfrOnt-Many lm-
prOvcments Have Already Been
Made at Heavy Expense.

WASHINGTON, November l7.-Special
The Norfolk navy yard, from its situa-
ton upon water near the Chesapeake
bay with an ample supply NJ skilled
labor IN the vicinity, ana In direct con-
nectiOn with important lines or trans
portaton, will continue 10 be one or the
most important upon the Atlantic coast,
says the Chief Of the Bureau OF Yards
and Docks In mis- report 10 the Secretary
Of the Navy. Continuing, he says:
Congress at its last session PROVIDED
for improving the navigation between the
waters OF the bay and the navy yard
By the construction OF channel OF 50
feet depth al mean low water, and there
Is, therefore every reason why THIS yard
should be provided with permanent dry
dock of the largest size. sufficient to
accommodate any present or prospective
vessel OF tho navy. The estimate for this
dock contemplates one which shall be
permanent and substantial in every re-
spect and FREQ from the rapid deterlo-
ration. both from the marine worm ana
the climate. which prevails In this To-
calty. Dry docks constructed of timber
in this latitude decay very rapidly. are
expensive 10 maintain. and become I'M
safe If extensive repairs are neglected.
n is hoped that Congress may see pro-
per 10 appropriate for a modern dock Of
the most substantial character at this
station at its next session
FOR A DRY DOCK.
one million and a half dollars Is
asked for the dry dock Tho expenses
Of a. yard under the cognlzance Of the
Bur "a during the past year have been
S127AS.GI OF this about $4,000 went for
yard imrf ,ement. $40 90 for general re-
pairs and about $4,000 for general main
touarc, expenses owing 10 the noces-
stiles Of the case during tho war one
third Of the latter item. 1888 was eN-
pended I'm payment ~ watchmen. The
dredging has secured depth OF 20 feet
at mean low water which has now been
attained In the entire water front Of the
yard and ever nearly the full width or the
channel
THE CEDAR GROVE PROPERTY.
with regard 10 the Cedar Grove prop
crty over which there has been so much
wranglng. the report says:
"a provision in the last naval act au-
thorized and directed the Secretary Of the
Navy 10 cause 10 be commenced. and the
AffOrney-General to carry on, proceedings
for the condemnation Of tract OF land
for tho purpose or constructing wet
d0cF and for other purposes. known as
the 2. .tE GEINt iiINIfHii. fNli.ftlllilNn tAANf
acres lying immediatelr opposite the Cos
port navy-yard. in the state Of Virginia.
In accordance with this law proceedings
were commenced and carried on. and the
commissioners for the condemnation OF
the land have rendered their report
wherein they fix the compensation for
the property az Sii5GSl50 which is based
on n valuation of the premises nc $3.50
per foot front. As the United States At
torney states in his report to the Attor-
ney-Geueral that there is some doubt as
10 the exact length Of the frontage a
careful survey is now being made with a
view 10 an exact determination of such
length. whereby "a fix the amount of the
compensation 20 be paid for the land"
Estimates for the improvements Of the
Norfolk navy-yard are as follows.
Concrete and granite dry dock. 81 10 0'o
Quay wall for fitting out BASIN. 10000
Shipfttcrs, shop construction
and repaid. .................. 10000
Yards and docks building for
electric plant, plumber and ma
chine shOp. ....., 1000
Blacksmith and coppersmith shop
CONSTRUCTION and repair........ 5000o
StoTehOuse for tOrpedoes.......... 1000
Two officers quarters.............. 1000
l20-ton floating derrick............. 1000
Grading and paving streets, and
for sewers ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS. 5000
Total ...............................s2o0OoO