The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1899-03-30

The able report presented to the
Chamber OF Commerce by President
Graves, Senator Alien and Judge Burke
regarding the superior natural advan-
tages of Port Orchard as the site of
great navy yard. IS compared with
other existing yards. should be con-
vincing TO any unprecedented mind. Par
ticularly should II be convincing when
considered in connection with the Mare
island navy yard in California.
There are eleven yards and stations
upon the Atlantic coast and congress
continues to make appropriations to all
Of them. Upon the Pacific coast. in view
Of the fact that the future naval opera
tDns OF the United States will be on
tie Pacific ocean. the imperative neces-
stty Of at least two large stations Is OBJ
vlous. Yet congress has manifested all
its liberality toward one OF these. and
w4at has been given begrudgingly to
Phrt Orchard has been rendered un-
ayailable through the ofiicious interior
epce Of the chief Of the bureau Of yards
add docks
AT Mare island a critical situation ex-
lists. which throws into contrast the ex-
eellencies OF Port Orchard From esti-
mates which have been submitted re-
Gently, 1t Is evident that at least a mil
lion dollars must be expended to dredge
. narrow channel and provide basin
before the large cruisers and battle
ships can be sent To the yard with
safety.
Aud this improvement can be hut
temporary, because each succeeding
es~shet from Napa slough and the
Sacramento river will hrtnw down
Had sna saad To partially r~nIl the
excavation, thus creating the me-
c~ssity Tor - large. permanent APP
propriation.
Notwithstanding these obvious de-
fects congress set aside about $3.oca COO
for the island. The same amount APP.
piled ~ the development of the Puget
SOUND naval station would make II one
OF the most efficient yards in the United
States. Every dollar expended could SO
into permanent improvements. Pert
Orchards unique location sxempts il
from the necessity 81 dredging. The
largest hstsleship af'aat can approach
the dock At any stage OF tide. night or
day. The few deliars required to clear
wharf would clear Ii forever
Hundreds 81 thousands Of dollars are
being expended at New London
Brooklyn, League island. Norfolk. por,
Royal and Mare island for dredging
Batsieships and cruisers can navigate
the harhors only with difficulty. even a,
high tide. Recently The hattlexhlp Mas
rachusTsts WAS very seriously injured
by striking shoai Ia New York har
hor. The cruiser Columbia struck
rocky ledge in ghe Delaware river. \
channel has 70 be ang between Forsres,
Monroe ana Norfolk before Aaftleshif,,
can set ieto that ward No hsssIesh !!
can - anywhere reaF ,hs ,sryao--s a
Port Royal unttl q Tong channel IA,
been dreage3. TIE American hattie.
ships bad to be eoaleSs ard ,aroviSfs,sse,
outside ,he reef az Key West. Nc sas
''eShsgs can rTsess the har ~ san g~ac
eisc~s shrn there Is a heavy sea. as =
frequently IS the cases ansi narc hAv.
ever yet visited the Mare islAaa nas-
Yard.
The contrast ut Pert Orchard .
notable. Congress has heen fust
fssssss~a ct 10. ~na ~oa,a the .xn,
tors aaa representative raj.
themselves 60 - p,sa~ az patriot
isns. tree frem .~sa.h i.~s, a~stxx
asd directed oct. 70 the s~oA a
She whsIe sasfos. sAe nsxs s~sAla,
N.ssss..s..