Evening star., 1901-11-11
DISTRIBUTION OF GOA
STORAGE OF FUEL FOR USE OF WAR
SHIPS.
The Washington Navy Yard and New
Naval ObservatOr.-Wirel
Telegraphy.


! American navy is presented in the state
ment in the annual report of Rear Admiral
r. b. Bradford, chief of the equipment
bureau of the navy, that he spent 81 2I3,111
last fiscal year for 3i2, los tons Of coal, at
| an average cost of S7.01 per ton, being
nearly 9o,113 tons more than We're used
during the preceding fiscal year. Ten years
ago the coal consumption was $4,000 tons
pc rannum. The domestic coal costs $500
per ton, and the foreign coal, of which
there were used 105 O66 tons, cost $3.50 per
ton. Admiral Bradford has scattered
American coal all over the world. wherever
suitable storage could be found. He has
placed 1900 tons at Yokohama and 5000
tons at Pichilinque, Mexico, and he has
sent large quantities to Guam and to the
Philippines. He carried 1900 tons by wa
ter from the Atlantic coast to Mare Island.
California, where it came into competition
with English Cardiff coal. 1t is recon-
mended that two large steam 10,oo0-ton
GOLFERS be built to keep deposits supplied in
time of peace, and to accompany the fleets
in time of war.
1t is said to be particularly essential that
some of the deep-water ports of Cuba
should be made available for coaling pur-
poses, as the entire waters surrounding
Cuba are most important in a strategic
sense, and supplies of coal should be near
at hand. Admiral Bradford specifically
says: AS the department Is aware, efforts
are being made to establish naval coal de-
pots at important localities, which it is
deemed unwise to discuss in report of
public character"
Cable and Wireless TeIegraphy.
Admiral Bradford says very little about
trans-P Pacific submarine telegraph cable,
contenting himself with the statement that
the bureau is now in possession of all data
required, so far as surveys are concerned,
to lay this cable
The report says that the subject of wire
less telegraphy was followed carefully dur
ing the year. but it does not appear ad-
visable to adopt any particular system at
present, or to acquire any more apparatus
than necessary for purposes of instruction.
1t is clear, Admiral Bradford says. that no
system as yet has passed beyond the eX-
perimental stage. Though most Of the prin-
cipai naval powers have adopted some form
of wireless telegraphy for their ships, 1t is
believed from the reports received that
none are satisfactory. 1t was clearly
shown during the international yacht races,
says Admiral Bradford. that the difficulties
of interference could not be overcome
with the apparatus then used.
The Navy Yard.
Regarding the Washington navy yard,
Admiral Bradford says:
AN appropriation Of $4,000, under the
cognizance Of the bureau of yards and
docks, has been available for the erection
of coal storage plant at this navy yard
for some time. Plans have been prepared
and proposals are about being asked by ad-
vertiSement.
Goal for steaming purposes is not kept
on hand to any extent in the city of Wash
ing ton, and it is necessary for the depart
ment to secure its own supplies of coal for
ships and tugs that are stationed at the
| navy yard, and also for visiting vessels
For some time past the bureau has
urged the necessity of eXpeditng the
struction of suitable means for the above
chiefly due to difference of opinion as to
the proper location of the plant"
The Naval observatory.
ford says:
The buildings of the observatory are in
good condition. The grounds are gradually
improving. The house for which an appro-
priation was granted for the use of the
foreman and captain of the watch has been
constructed by day work within the sum
assigned and is now completed and occs-
pied. 1t is a decided advantage to have
this important employe the spot. An
estimate is submitted for the construction
of additional quarters for the professors Of
mathematics on duty at the observatory,
whose night service renders it important
that their homes be near at hand"
Admiral Bradford recommends that stems
be taken to acquire for the observatory
the land occupied by the District Industrial
Home School, T., ,164 acres now the property
of the District of Columbia. 1t is also rec
commended that the land owned by the gov
ernment outside of the circle be not sold
at present, lowing to its increased prospec-
tive value. An estimate is submitted for
fencing the entire observatory property