The Virginia enterprise., 1909-07-02
4 TRAINING CRA,FT

ravine runs a boisterous stream of water which is
pretty we'll swollen in spring which is
nearly dry during the summer.
At the bottom of the ravine would have hard
time to imagine himself in the center of large gov
ernment institution But following it toward lake,
you are brought to the point where the ship basin
begins sort of landlocked harbor has dug out
in which several goodsized gunboats could sheltered
safety during the worst storms the lake. large and
Wellequipped boathouse has been built the point
where the basin connects with Lake Michigan, and
there abundant facilities for the housing of cutters
and other craft which will be used by the embryo
sailors in their practice maneuvers
An artistic bridge has been constructed across the
raVne about so feet above the stream of water which
connects with road running directly into the center
of the reservation The high bluffs side of the
basin give stately effect to the general view of the
reservation from the lake. At the top of highest
bluff overlooking the lake and commanding widest
view of the entire surrounding country is the adminstra
ton building handsome structure built of pressed brick
In the center is high tower with windows at various
stages At side of the administration building
three smaller buildings which will probably be used for
officers or instructors dwellings.
The main instruction buildings, lecture halls and
dormitories for the regular members the institution
are in close proximity to the administration building
The larger OF these have been completed and are
tcally ready for occupancy would be possible the
institution to be opened this fall great prog
ress been made it, but it is likely the formal
opening will not take place until July 1870 when Rear
Admiral Albert Ross, who has been in charge the
construction since it's INCEPTION will be completed
1t is planned to care for between 1000 and 5000
recruits 1Or the navy at the training station and
many than this number could be taken care of in
an emergency Several thousand wedried sailors can
be turned out each and the result will be greatly
increased efficiency among the rank and file composing
TIE United States navy - "
Bids were recently opened in Washington for new
work on the Naval institute which will aggregate half
million dollars James Corse of Racine awarded the
contract for the construction of the officers houses which
include commandants house for $4,000 and junior
officers houses at $4,000:
The principal work of the coming year. however will
be on the medical department buildings. which will in
vove expenditure Of $313o00 and will be finest of
their kind in the west; They include hospital which
will cost $2s4ooo; senior medical officers house. s24 Ooo
Junior medical officers houses $3S 000 hospital ann
dry, $4,000 The Noel Construction Company ~ p1+;
more was awarded this last important contract
Before the station is completed the gunboat Nashville
will have arrived in Chicago, which will be utilized 90
training vessel by the Illinois naval militia Great 49,
arations being made for the reception of the
vile, but it is likely that the may be used II;
nection with the new station when it is completed WA
~ The ancient man-ofwar Wolverine former, ~,
michigan, the Oldest iron vessel in the United stt