The Washington herald., 1910-12-05
ECONOMY SLOGAN
In MEYER REPORT
Continued from Page one.

demonstrated ifs efficiency. The prin-
efpal economies IN the naval establish
ment mentioned by Mr.. Meyer are IN the
amount OF coal and other supplies con-
sumad.
After q thorough inspection OF all the
navy yards and after considering the
unanimous advice o. officers" says Mr..
Meyer. II recommend that the navy
yards at New Orleans, La. and Pensa-
cola, Fla, be given up, and that the
Secretary OF the Navy be authorized 10
make such disposition Of the government
property as may seem best. Both navy
yards are entirely unnecessary for the
service Of the feet
Wants Guantanamo Dock.
Inspection OF Guantanamo makes Il
clear that emergency docking and repair
facilities should be provided there, so
that I'm case OF need injured vessels can
be temporarily repaired in order that
they may quickly return 20 their posi-
tons in the fleet. With moderate ex-
penditures al economical. but efficient.
base can be supplied there which will be
Of inesumable value to the country.
1T has been for some years used as
the winter base of the feet in its drills
and exercises in the Caribbean Sea 4
certain amount OF preliminary work has
already been done. and a moderate
amount TO carry on the work will be
asked for. II is desired 10 transfer the
floating dock at New Orleans 10 q loca-
ton at Guantanamo, where there is al
ready foTty-four feet of water. and TO
put up such shop buildings OF inexpensive
construction as are suited 10 the mild
climate.
1T would seem evident that OF the
naval stations on the Gulf coast Key
West alone should be retained. The geo.
graphical situation Of Key West as a base
OF supply 10 the fleet IN the Caribbean
leads one 10 this view. 1t is also a con-
venient point for the supply and quick
repair of small gunboats and torpedo
craft operating in the Caribbean Sea. For
these purposes Key West is well located
and supplements the naval base at Guam
tanamo efficiently. There already exists
at Key West q eoaling plant, a marine
railway which can be adapted to take
vessels of 1000 tons, and suitable small
shops for repairs Of the minor character
required.
THE situation on the Atlantic coast as
70 navy yards is a somewhat difficult one,
Undoubtedly, there are a greater number
OF flrst-class navy yards than should be
required for the efficient care OF the fleet,
including the auxlliaries and smaller YES
sells. AS the Portsmouth. Boston. New
York, Philadelphia, and Norfolk yards
have accessible dry docks necessary for
the battle-ship fleet and efficient plants
for repair. It seems hardly advisable to
give any OF them up. especially as It viii
be possible and necessary on account OF
the dry docks 10 take advantage OF their
facilities in the most economical manner.
Port Royal has dry dock. but II Is IN
approachable for battle ships, or even
cruisers, except at an unjustifable ex-
pense The Charleston dock is useless
for battle ships or cruisers as 1t fills In
opposite the dock at the rate Of from
three to four feet year.
Il recommend that the department be
authorized 20 abandon and dispose OF the
naval reservations at San Juan, p. r.
Port Royal, 8. c.; New London, Conn,
sacketts Harbor. Long Island. and Cui-
ebra.
Joint Beard to Meet.
Recommendation as to the other yards
and auxiliary stations on the Atlantic
coast will be deferred until the subject
has been thoroughly reviewed by the
joint board OF the army and navy"
On the subject Of battle feet on the
Pacific, Mr.. Meyer says:
''Thers has been a constant desire on
the part Of the people OF the Pacific Coast
for the maintenance OF the battle feet on
that coast. During nay recent visit Of
inspection on the Pacific Coast these
views were frequently expressed. and
endeavored to make Il clear. IN CONVEX
sation and IN speeches at public gather
: insz. that st was not considered sdvts-