The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1899-04-27
THAT SHIP YARD PROJECT.

\ n
A month or so ago Mr.. Egan, vice presi-
dent of the Central, suggested the advis-
ability of making an effort to secure the
! establishment of a shipyard here. The
| suggestion was discussed to some extent
| by citizens who are interested in building
up this city, but nothing of a practical
| nature, as far as the public knows, was
done in the matter. We mention this
shipyard project at this time because a
company having a paid up capital of 49,
100000, is now looking for a site for a
shipyard on the South Atlantic coast. 1t
is the understanding that the com
pany intends 10 make a selection at an
early day. Several cities are offering the
company inducements, among them being
Baltimore, Chester, Pa, and Camden
n. ].
When the company was first organized it
was expected that the cities DESTROYS Of
having the shipyard would offer induce
ments and those mentioned did offer
them, but since that time capitalists have
come forward and subscribed for the whole
amount of the stock. and now the com
pany doesn't intend to be Influenced by
offers of subscriptions, or of exemption
from taxation or by any other cons5dera-
ton, burt will choose the site which 1t
thinks has the greatest advantages.
The president of the company is Henry
g. Morse of Youngstown, o. Before ae-
cepting his present position he was pres
ident Of the Harlin & Hoilinsworth Ship
building Company of Wilmington, Del.
He has had a great deal of experience in
shipbuilding, and has recently made an
examination of the principal shipyards of
Europe. The plans for the plant are
drawn and embody all that is considered
the best for an up-to-date shipyard.
Baltimore is making special efforts TO
have the yard located within her limits.
Experts on locations are expected to visit
that city next Monday. Would it not be
wise thing TO do to invite the committee
of experts to inspect the advantages
which this city has to offer? There are
at least two locations on our river front
that might attract the attention and com
mand the consideration of the committee.
But who is 10 take hold of this matter?
1t is apparent that If anything is to be
accomplished there is no time to lose. The
company wants to get to work quickly.
and 1t is probable that 1t will not telav
long in making a choice. As Mr.. Egan
was the first to suggest the ADVANTAGES
OF Savannah for a shipyard it is not i'm
probable that he would be willing to I'M
dertake to get Mr.. Morse's company 20
send experts here to canvass the city's
advantages. The company will employ
about 1000 men,
There is no doubt that there is going N
be great activity in shipbuilding in this
country within a very short time. In
deed there is great activity now in the
few shipyards the country has. 1t is es-
timated that the orders they have will
keep them busy for at least two years.
But the amount of shipbuilding that is
being done now is small in comparison with
that which will be done in the very near
future. The country's commerce is grow
ing at an enormous rate, and there are
capitalists who think the time has come
FOR the profits of American CARRYING trade
to go into the pockets of Americans
therefore, 1t would not be surprising II
the shipbuilding industry in this country
should reach proportions that ships sufi-
eient to carry American commerce would
De ouiit IN American shipyards.