The Washington times., 1907-08-30
RIVER
BEST PLACE FOR
OLD IRONSIDES s"
Frigte in Danger of
Ere at Boston Navy
Yard.

Washington is the best. the only
Iogiol place for the Constitution.
and am heartily in favor of the
idea said Representative Richard
Barholdt, Of St. Louis, who has
justreturned from The Hague con-
fersce. and is stopping over in
Washington on his way home.
~ Bartholdt added that if the
quetion ever came up in Congress
as ID the final resting place of the
old frigate, he would certainly be
enthusiastically in favor of the Sc
LEGION of Washington.
Would Add to Citys Attractions
d doesn't seem to me that there
shbld be any doubt that this is the
ci8 to which we should bring old
Irt-sides', saids Mr. Barthoidt this
mbning, and with a twinkle in his eye
addnE. THAT is. if we can't have her
at 81. Louis But since my city is not
in. he race, this is certainly the place
foe- it. You see Il viii be an added
attraction to the National Capital, and
as this is presumably the place for
relics OF such a character that belong
TO The Government. and especially those
fuI OF such intense interest as the old
frlyate Constitution, it should, by all
mans. be brought here.
Although I haven't given the matter
serious thought. if question Of the dis
posaI Of the frigate ever had to be set
lied by Congress. thinking as 1 do now,
would certainly do what I could TO
have her brought TO Washington"
In Danger of Fire.
The fact that The Constitution is in
imminent danger OF being destroyed oy
fire at its present anchorage as revealed
by admissions even in Boston papers.
has aroused officials and citizens of
washington to even greater enthusiasm
over the proposition to bring the trlgate
Lere than has been manifested mere
tofore. s,.o
eating the transfer Of the Constitution
10 Charles River Basin, Boston, pIOVeS
,oncIusivelv that in all events the pres
ent anchorage is not suitable Tor the
historic ship. The Journal says
Wanted Frigate Moved.
..wbIe not an officer OF the navy
ward will talk for publication on the
nublished intention of Acting Secretary
Of the Navy Newberry 10 have the
pconstitution removed, privately t.iey are
more than glad that old Ironsides
is In 20 from within their jurisdiction
II Il M secret that the old ship IS a
cause OF much anxiety on the part OF
officers and men alike at the YARD
There 5 2 large amOunt-of sentiment
about tie Constitution in the navy, ana
IT is no secret in Charlestown t'iat Tor
wears lots of secret influence mas DSeLi
exerted 20 get the famous old IIlsa'e
sTbe boston yard is one Of the busiest
IN, fls.. col-nErv and IS one OF the largest
repair stations that the Navy DeRasLt-
ment has Besides all this, the dochlhS
facilities are limited, and the CohSllte-
ton takes up valuable space as she Is
moored today. The snip Is e1uellietS
iufaulnlable, being enUrely OF M0ou'
1.-i,icb in case of ire would Unquestion-
ably burn like finder. At the ChaIles-
town yard there are scores OF iuIildCe
and forge chimueys, when are HaDie d
almost any ume or cay 20 - 49, 1n5
unless this spark were stamped on anu
extf0euisEed at The psychological mo-
ment old Ironsides' would be sorry
sight in a short space OF tlnae-
Mensced Three Times.
"since the Constitution has been al
tba navy yard. fires have endangered
me old friCate on three different coca
sions. Two Of the CONGREGATIONS were
al the HOOsac docks ana at the Nly sIic
whhrves Of the Boston ana MAINE lIl4 :
wears ago when everything was puIhe'i
dat 4 third time was when nre IN
an old building at the navy yard put
the Constitution in great jeopardy Tor
some minutes. IN q, =
clad to see tho Constitution go-not be-
cause OF any lack of reverence Tor mr.
but because they love her. Inc IesPon-
sibNity OF keeping her az tAe ydiu' theg
say. is too great. -.---
NeUberrv from Governor Guild. OF
Massachusetts, and Mayor E1tzseraid, OF
Boston. making plea that the ola
vessel be allowed to remain there were
answered by the Secretary today, VINO
informed the two OfnclalS Ildl lHey
would be given due length OF Tune 20
provide 8 suitable anchorage for the
While the department is not greatly
concerned as to whether the ship shali
remain at Boston or be brought q
washington or taken to the Naval
Academy, at Annapolis, the officials VIII
take no hasty action, and viii listen 10
arguments made in favor OF Washing
ton. as well as in favor Of the other two
cities.
Washington's Claims.
several strong arguments already have
been presented to Secretary Newberry
ih favor of Washington. Following the
exnloftation of the plan to bring the
constitution here, in Tuesdays Times
public spirited and patriotic citizens OF
Ibis city began to send letters to the
sartment making plea In behalf Of
the National Capital. A score or more
reached Mr. NewbeTry's desk yesterday
and fully twice that number made thel
way to his Office today