Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-11-14
Admiral Bradford Describes the Re-
suits Of the Surveys.
OBJECT OF EXPEDITION ACCOMPLISHED
Establishment of More Coal De-
pots Recommended.
THE NAVAL OBSERVATORY

|
| the naval bureau of equipment, devotes a
chapter to the subject OF the proposed
| transpacifc cable. He recapitulates the re-
| suits of the survey by the Z. S. 8. Nero
for a telegraph cable between Honolulu
and the Philippine Islands. and says:
THE greatest difficulty was experienced
in finding a suitable pass to cross the
mountain range between the Ladrones and
the Bonins. This being accomplished, the
plateau affords an excellent resting place
for cable for the balance of the route
THE object of the surveying expedition
was most successfully and eXpeditiously
accomplished. satisfactory route for
an all-American cable for the purpose of
connecting the Pacific coast with the out
lying colonial possessions of the United
States in the Pacific and with China and
Japan has been discovered, thoroughly ex-
plored. surveyed and mapped. In addition.
great amount Of data on ocean currents,
prevailing winds and tidal influences In
parts of the ocean little known, that will
prove of great value to navigation in the
future, was collected. The specimens of
the bottom collected are now in the hands
of the Smithsonian Institution for exami-
nation Undoubtedly they will prove of
great interest to science.
The route for the cable was selected by
study of all routes available. The instruc-
tions for the survey were also drawn up
by the bureau and were minute in detail
AS many emergencies as could be foreseen
were provided for and, in addition, great
latitude given to the commander Of the
expedition, who was at liberty to change
the route and extend the survey. if neces-
sary, in order to bring about the desired re-
suit. The only portion of the route select
ed by the bureau that proved impracticable
was that passing around the south end of
the Island of Guam. In general, the routes
followed great circles in order to decrease
distances.
Completion of the Survey.
1.-The bureau anticipated the survey would
occupy one years time. 1t actually COM
menced at Honolulu May 8, 1899. 1t was
completed there January %. 1900. in eight
months and twenty-three days time. On
account Of the presence at Honolulu Of the
bubonic plague the Nero did not enter the
harbor on her return trip, but continued on
to San Francisco, where she arrived Feb
ruary IL. 1900, ten months and one day
from the time she went into commission
having steamed, in all, 2o.2s3 knots
The rapid completion Of this survey, ac-
companied by thorough and painstaking
attention to details was accomplished only
by the untiring energy of the officers and
men OF the expedition. working day and
night, without rest except for the brief
period OF two weeks at Yokohama, Japan
All deserved the highest commentator.
which the department acknowledged and
bestowed. So much Of the time had been
spent at sea, without fresh food that only
a small number Of the officers and men
escaped without sickness after the cruise
ended.
After the Nero was placed out of COM
mission. Lieut.. John Hood, u S. N. her
executive officer, to whose energy and good
Judgment the success Of the survey was
largely due; was assigned to special uuty
uhaer tnlS bureau for the purpose Of con-
structing large sized charts for use In cable
laying and discussing and tabuating the
uata obtained during the survey In order
that 1t might be ready for immediate use
ON board cable-laying ships
A complete and thorough survev has
been made of the Midway Islands, and
landing places have been selected for a
Gaole CAP, at the various stations in the Pacific.
Inc bureau Is now ready to lay a cable en-
tlrely across the Pacific, or any portion of
It, at any time.
The bureau has only to add that II
would, In its opinion, be folly to Law .nv
cable across the Pacific, except one con,
structed Of the best materials and mann
world" Ai 'ie
Admiral Bradford records unpreceden,od,,,
large expenditures by cruising ships S1r,
ing the last fiscal year and the disburse-
ment OF large amounts for freight involved
stores.
Admiral Bradford sets forth the desira-
pi!lty or a naval station at Guam en-
phasizing the importance of the island as
naval base, 1t being the only United States
port between Hawaii and the Philippines.
He also recounts rapid improvements In
equipment work at the Cavite naval sta
l!on. ana the completion of a steel cold
storage house at Pago Pago, on the Island
OF Iutuila' Samoa A new floating dry
dock for the naval station at Algiers' La.
is to be completed by May, 1901
More Coal Depots Needed.
The amount Of coal being consumed by
the navy is increasing year after year, and
Its cost last year averaged nearly 81 a ton
more than during the fiscal year of 1888.
Admiral Bradford again renews his recon-
mendations for additional naval coal depots,
and dwells upon the great necessity of
maintaining an efficient coal supply wher-
ever naval operations might be looked for.
Ine facilities at the majority of naval sta
tons are stated to be inadequate for the
storage OF necessary supply of coal
The MarcOni System.
The bureau recommends the installation
Of the Marconi system of wireless teleg-
raphy on board of several ships of the
navy, provided it can be done at a reason
able cost. Experiments in this system of
signaling have proven successful in the main
In the trials made by ships of the North
Atlantic squadron. although quite Sc
rious defect has been discovered. In the
cFeAl tHdt Two Vessels using the system
should attempt to signal a single port or
vessel simultaneously the receiving station
or ship is found to be unable to distinguish
between the messages sent to it.
The attention Of the department is called
to the necessity for survey Of the western
Pacific ocean. Many reported danger
spots" appear on the charts whose absolute
danger is doubtful. thus giving rise to a
great deal Of uncalled-for solicitude among
navigators.
Admiral Bradford again directs the at
tention Of the department to the urgent
need Of an assistant chef of bureau for
the equipment department
The Naval Observatory.
In regard to the naval observatory, Ad-
miral Bradford says that the buildings are
IN excellent condition. The grounds, with.
the aid of The yearly appropriation now
made for their Improvement, are gradually
assuming a satisfactory condition. Esti-
mates are submitted for two additional res
licences for officers attached to the observa-
tory. Owing to night work. Admiral Brad
ford says. they sre subjected to much hard |
ship II not provided with residence near
Savs the Use fuIuesS NJ bo obsor