The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1901-01-01
STATE SIDE PATHS.

STATE SIDE PATHS.
The side path commissioners appointed
by me in accordance with the provisions
Of chapter 757 OF the public laws, have
weakened a considerable public interest
n certain parts of the state and have
reached conclusions as to locations dc
sirable for side paths in a number of the
owns. The commissioners have no stat
appropriation. but the Rhode Island dl-
ision of the League or American Wheel
men contributed 500 for their work last
year. arties will not take out licenses
20 ride on cycle paths which are TO be
constructed in the future. hence no rev.
nue. becomes available under the act
reating the commission. The commits
toner's suggest that small initial ap-
propriation for construction of paths
would result in securing annual revenue
which could be applied to the construc-
lion of still other paths. with corre-
pond:ng increase in revenue; and so the
ystem could be gradually extended
NAVAL STATIONS, FORTS. HARBoRs
The appreciation on the part of the
'ederal government OF the advantage
q Management bay FOR n naval stat on
nd the recognition that no other water
vsy on our coast affords a better GROUND
pr tactical maneuvers. or n better op
ortunity for the establishment OF a
i.itary vantage point. has within the
asst few years become a profound con-
.lction, and at the same time the gov
rnment recognizes the commercial ad-
antages of our great waterway. The
esult is steady progress in naval mill
ary and harbor work. The development
" the naval station at Newport con-
tinues. The war department is strength
sning and extending the defences on our
.oast. and In the last three years the
mount allotted for gun and mortar bat
cries is upwards OF 100000. Large sums
nave been expended on the breakwater
Il Block Island. and $4,000 is appropriated
or the Improvement OF Great Salt pond.
rhe Improvement of Providence river
md the bay is at present confined to the
extension of a new channel by the west
ern passage. for which there Is available
IN appropriation of about $13S. 900. An ap-
propration OF $4,000 is available for
widening and deepening the draw open
ing through the stone bridge owned by
the state across the Sakonnet river at
Tiverton. other projects of magnitude
TOR harbor Improvement include survey
and plan of Improvement for Providence
river which will AFFORD an increased an
chorage area of III acres. at an esti-
mated cost OF 5000. 900. / had the pleasure
OF announcing. at the last May session,
that the biggest battleship yet planned
for our navy will be named Rhode ISL
and"
Our delegation in Congress loses no op-
portunity to present TO that body the
needs and importance OF our waterways.
both for our national service In time of
war and for peaceful, domestic COM
merce.
PORTSMOUTH GROVE COALING STA
T1ON.
The navy department at Washington is
negotiating for the purchase OF n tract
Of land at Portsmouth Grove for use
as n coalng station and for other naval
purposes. 1t appears from section 500
OF the revised statutes that the govern
ment IL prohibited from the expenditure
OF public money upon any site or land
purchased for the purpose of erecting
thereon public structures OF any kind
whatever until the consent OF the legis-
lature OF the state in which the land or
site may be TO such purchase has been
given" 7 am requested Dy the navy de-
partment TO make you acquainted with
the desire OF the department to purchase
the tract referred To Sor naval purposes
and the purpose TO build thereon, and
not deemed to be given by the provisions
OF chapter $50 OF the public laws. such
consent be provided for by suitable enact.
ment. Reference Is invited to Appendix
r with relation to this matter.
GEN. NATHANIEL GREENE DAY.
have received from n committee OF
the patriotic societies resolution re-
questing that steps be taken by the
state for the observance OF "A day dedi-
Gated Co the memory Of Gen. Nathaniel
Greene. the 9Th day of June being sug-
gestcd as the date generally agreed upos
as General Greene's birthday. A commit
tee representing the Daughters OF the
American Revolution and the Sons OF the
American Revolution waited upon me and
presented their Views. 1t ~ the specific
purpose ~ the societies by the proposed
observance 10 awaken public interest tD-
ward the erection By the people OF uIe
state of - stauls 10 General ofssns |.
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