Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1899-11-29


station will be situated at Lamoine Point
or more correctly speak ing East Lamoine
This is the site selected by Rear Admiral
Bradford, and though the actual transfer
OF the property may not take place for
several weeks, sil the preliminary nego-
tistIons, except as to few minor details,
have been satisfactorily completed.
representative OF THE AMERICAN in
terviewed Rear Admiral Bradford during
his visit here last week. At that time he
was not prepared to state positively that
he had made his final decision with regard
to the location OF the coaling station, but
intimated strongly that the Lamoine
Point site would be the one.
lie said there was not the slightest
doubt that the coaling station on French
mans bay would be established, as already
recommended.
Asked " hat was the greatest objection
to the Lamoine Point site, Admiral Brad
ford said there WAS no objection, and
then enumerated some OF the advantages,
one of the greatest Of which was a sufi-
cheney OF pure water. With the modern
high-power boilers on he war-ships, salt
water could not be used, At Lsmeine,
water from Blunt's pond is already piped
TO the proposed site. There is head OF
125 feet, and 1t would be necessary only
to connect with hydraut aud run the
water into the vessel. The water power as
protect ion against fire mas also a matter
OF consideration.
Other advantages OF the site unappar-
ent to the unprotessioual eye which Ad-
mirai Bradford mentioned were sufficient
height OF land to allow coal to run from
the storehoase to vessel at the wharf
By gravity. good foundation for wharf
and necessary buildings, plenty OF room
to turn vessels, good holding ground and
plenty OF tt for vessels at anchor off the
station, and smooth water
One objection which seemed to present
itself at first WAS ice, but since investigat
ing further Admiral Bradford said he
found this to be no serious matter. The
ice from Jordans river makes down
nearer the opposite shore, and he was in
formed that often the Lamoine shore
would be free from ice W hen the opposite
shore was frozen in.
As regards the necessary building opera
tions, he said they would consist prob
ably OF T,w hart, long enough across the
outer end for one vessel TO lie. There
would be coal storehouse, and necessary
carrying apparatus for loading vessels.
He thought that at fret plans would be
made for carrying about 5000 tons OF
coal at the station, with opportunity to
increase the capacity as occasion de-
manded. The station equipment would
include Il few barge-, and perhaps Il couple
OF tugs.
On shore there would be a rifle range
for the regular target practice OF the
marines, aud athletic grounds To ALLOW
them room TO stretch their sva-legs; per-
hap- also a laundry, to allow them the
coveted opportunity OF washing their
toys" in fresh water.
Ii is not likely there Will be any club
house or other buildings on shore, as the
quarters are always aboard ship. Admiral
Bradford said, however, that when the
government secured property, 1t often
proved advantageous for other than the
purposes first intended, and such might
be he case here.
1t was impossible for him to say just
when building operations would begin,
or how much money would be expended
on the station. Always some delay could
be counted on in such matters. Possible
work will begin next year.
Asked II, in event OF war, 1t would be
necessary to establish railroad commu-
nication with the station, Admiral Brad
ford replied in the negative. II shipment
OF coal to the station by sea WAS inter-
rupted or became hazardous, coal would
be shipped by rail to the Maine Central
railroad terminus, there loaded on barges
and transferred 10 the station As TINS
could be done inside the line OF coast
fortiiications, there would be no danger.
The admiral eaid the establishment OF
the Frenchman's bay stallion would un-
doubtedly tend to make Bar Harbor the
eastern terminus OF the North Atlantic
squadron's cruise each year
During his visit here Rear Admiral
Bradford was the guest OF Senator Hale,
at The Pines. He left Thursday noon.
The property " hlch has been selected
for the coaling station is on the southern
side OF Lamoine Point, or ut East La
moline. the tract contains about sixty
acres, and has shore front of $50 rods.
1t runs back to the town road. The pres
ent owners of the property are CALVIN Y.
Huckins, eigh acres; Alden b. Higgins,
fourteen acres; John A. Peters, je., elgh-
teen acres; Mary f. Gault, two acres
Mary E. Gault and Harriet 7. Higgins,
twelve acres; Winfield 5. Hodgkins, about
ten acres. The property includes the
Gault house and buildings. The location
is about six miles from Bar Harbor by