The Florida star., 1901-02-22

FIeUREHEAD OF THE CRUISER CINCINNATI.
Is TO be superseded by a drawbridge OF
the bascule type. with concrete piers
that will extend into the channel from
either side. and leave an opening or 100
feet between pier ends.
A stone sea wall. backed by heavy
timbers, is being constructed along the
entire water front and large bulkheads
erected TO defect the strong currents
and protect the plant from the wash OF
the sea and the action OF the tides. An
immense coaling pier. for which an ap-
proprIation OF $4,000 was some time
ago granted by congress. will soon be
built, extending from the water front
500 feet into the East river. When
the navy yard was remodeled some
years ago. the old coal dock. with It's
antique machinery. was pulled down.
and since that time there has been no
place at which a ship could be cOaled
from overhead. The new pier is to be
a steel or masonry structure. with a
complete overhead coaling system OF
the latest type.
What 10 do with the receiving ship,
the Vermont. and its occupants. has
long been a perplexing problem In navy
circles. and with the Improvements
and enlargements under way and in
contemplation IL becomes a question
that must soon be settled. At all events
the Vermont must be moved from its
present mooring alongside the cob dock
and provision made elsewhere for IL
and the small army OF 'seamen and re-
crults quartered on board.
Secretary Long has suggested way
out OF the difficulty. which may be
adopted. lie has asked the city or New
York TO turn over TO the navy depart
ment, at least temporarily, the north
ern portion OF Blackwelrs island. In the
East river. which is soon TO be vacated
by removal OF the insane asylum and
patients to another section or the city.
The receiving ship would be moored
alongside the sea wall OF the island at
n convenient point and would continue,
as at present. 20 be the quarters for
the men and officers In case the priv
ilege Is granted the navy department
would look upon the island or that part
Of Il which would thus be temporarily
occupied as a naval park, to be kept In
order by the navy. The department
would have at that point naval band
of music In connection with the Yer
mont and would allow the public 10 be
freely admitted. subject 10 such re-
strIctIons only as are customary In the
other parks OF New York.
Blackwell's island Is the property OF
the city OF New York and many years
ago was given over to the use OF the de-
partment OF charities and corrections
and here have been erected the work
house. penItentiary, charity hospital
asylums Tor the insane and many other
buildings. these mainly. however. De
ing on the southern portion or the Is
land, which Is about IA miles long Anc
contains about 40 acres OF land. The
city authorities have taken under al
yisement the navy departments re
quest
Much attention is lately being giVeI
at the Brooklyn navy yard TO the orna
mentation OF the warships. In which
high degree of art is exhibited A new
figurehead and stern piece have tusl
been placed on the cruiser Cincinnati
These ornaments are compositions o.
wood and bronze. designed by AiviI
G. Nye, which were drawn At the sug
0estion and under the supervision o.
Naval Constructor Francis I. Bowies
The Prov piece represents a winget
victory Of heroic size In lowing dra
pery, holding over her head an eagi'
about 20 take fight The wings or Vic
tory are thrown back against the prov