The evening times., 1899-12-18
LOOKING TO THB fgqURB
Plans for Improvements in the
Navy Yards and Dry Docks.
The Importance of Being In Readt-
Out in the Annual Report of Rear
Admiral EndicOtt-Millions Requir-
ed 10 Provide Proper Equipment.

The many improvements to the navy
yards and dry docks that have been sug-
gested to the Navy Department by the
chief of the Bureau of Yards and Docks
have, it is said, received generally the ia
vorable consideration of Secretary Long.
These improvements are urgently asked for
by Rear Admiarl Endicott, the bureau chief.
and some of the reasons for their necessity
are given in his annual report. Touching
the subject Of Improvements, the report
says:
The estimates for Improvements amount
to sH. .756, 1885. They include large
number Of public works at the various
yards and stations which are deemed neces-
sary for their proper equipment. The op-
erations of the various bureaus at the
yards during the war showed that in very
many respects the public works were not
adequate for the prompt and proper con-
duct of the work of repairing and fitting
out vessels OF war.
Even in such yards as New York, Nor
folk, and Mare Island. the best equipped of
any in the country, very many deficiencies
were found to exist. These were tided over
with temporary structures and makeshifts
in some cases. In others substantial and
permanent works were erected, and even
under these circumstances the public busi-
ness was carried on at great disadvantage.
Urgent Requests for improvements.
This has been the experience of every
bureau, and the Importance of supplying
these deficiencies for the future advantage
of the service has been brought to this bu-
reau through its own observations and
through representations from the several
bureaus concerned. Many of the improve
ments provided for in the estimates have
been the subject Of special and urgent re-
quests from the bureaus interested.
The naval establishment does not ad-
init of sudden expansion, and it must be
kept in a state of readiness TO meet the
day when its power must be exercised The
shore stations must be in condition TO fit
out and keep in service the vessels, and
several of the yards at the more important
strategic points must be able 10 handle the
work for a large squadron or fleet with the
greatest despatch. The public works should
be equal to putting the entire navy, in
cluding the portion in reserve, into imme
diate service and keeping it there continu-
ously To effect this nearly all the yards
and stations require expansion. and a few
of them, as New York, Norfolk and Mare
Island, should be greatly improved by re-
modelling old works. building new ones,
and enlarging the limits of the territory
where more space is required for the latter
THE estimates for the New York navy
yard amount TO very large sum. 100000
of which are for dry dock work. $500 900
being for the commencement of work
upon new one OF stone and concrete, TO
cost ultimately 81. 000. 1t was demon
strated during the war with Spain that an
other dry dock at the New York navy yard
was very much needed II has been the
policy of the department to largely concen-
trate its work at few of the navy yards,
and New York has been and probably al
ways will be the most active of all. In
the case OF fitting out a fleet in these wa
tiers the docking facilities are inadequate
for prompt despatch.
Repairs in Progress.
The repairs authorized to dry dock No.
are in progress, and contemplate renew
ing the structure largely in concrete and
stone, in order TO make it permanent and
stable. 1t is desired to conduct the re-
pairs upon this dock. which are needed
throughout its length, in the same sub
stantial manner. remodeling the entrance
and wideping the floor at the same time,
so that IL shall be finally permanent and
safe dry dock for the largest vessels.
THE sale of lands referred 20 in the !
bureaus last annual report left this yard
with an area very restricted. and the limit
of its development is well-uigh reached. !
Unless this station is to drop behind the
requirements of navy yard in the New |
York harbor which are sure 10 pass great |
ly beyond even the present demands, more
area must be added. recommendation !
for such Increase is presented for the de-
partment's consideration.
Estimates are presented for long list !
of improvements at the League Island
navy yard, including continuation of the 4
work upon the fresh-water reserve basin .
for vessels. dredging operations, and the /
construction of quay walls in connection !
Herewith. Various buildings are needed (
for the Bureaus of Construction and Re- /
pair, Supplies and Accounts and Equip /
ment. These are structures to supply IA
cilities in respects not possessed heretofore, |
or provided in temporary sheds of geat ,
Improvements of greater or less extent
are recommended for the other yards.
notably concrete and stone dry dock of
the large size for the Norfolk navy yard.