The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1911-09-04
NAVY CHIEFS VISIT
LEAGUE ISLAND

Philadelphia, September s-Acting
Secretary OF the Navy Beekman Win
throp and Rear-Admiral Nathan c.
Twining. Chief OF Ordnance. made an
inspection of tho navy yard yesterday
for the purpose of obtaining infor-
nation 10 be used in the preparation
OF estimates for contemplated improve
ments at the yard.
1T Is the purpose OF the Navy De-
partment," said Mr.. winthrop, ito
make e number of improvements here
chief OF which will be the establish
Inent OF the advance base school OF the
Marine Corps, which will make the
Philadelphia yard the principal point
OF the Atlantic coast for the assem-
bling of marines both in time of peace
and in time of war The school will be
for the purpose OF instructing the met
in the rapid mobilization of their forces
and a supply base Will be esta blished
used in case of war will be stored.
This Will require the erection OF more
buildings.
THE other improvements to be made
at the yard are the outcome of the
natural development OF the navy. The
water front will be improved SO as to
admit OF the largest battleships, which
now have difficulty in getting into dry
dock and alongside the wharves. The
facilities for the handling and repair
of heavy ordnance as we'll as general
ship repairs will also be increased"
Fort Mifilin to BE Modernized.
Upon completion of the inspection OF
the yard the party boarded the naval
tug Somerset and were taken down the
river TO Fort Miffiin, which also was
inspected for the purose OF making
improvements.
The magazines of the fort will be
enlarged to accommodate large stores
OF ammunition" said Mr. Winthrop,
and the old military post will be
made a supply station, more particu-
larry for use in time of war. The en-
largement of the magazines. however.
was not so much the reason for the
inspection as the Improvement IF the
fort to bring II up to q modern stand
ard. The entire sea wall will be re-
built and bikes constructed for the i'm
provement OF the channel"
Besides Admiral Twining. Mr. Win
throp was accompanied by Mrs Win
throp. The party arrived at the West
Philadelphia Station from New York
at il:l0 y. NJ. and was met by Lieu
tenant Heating. aid to Captain Grant,
commandant of the Navy Yard. ind the
trip TO the Navy Yard was made in a
motor car. At the yard the karty was
met by Comma nder Grant. Three com.
panies OF marines and the yard band.
headed by Major Leonard. were drawn
up at the entrance to welcome the
officials. They went first TO the office
of Captain Grant, after which the in
spection OF the yard was made In au-
tomobiles. After the inspection the
party was entertained at luncheon by
Mrs. Grant in the commandments hons.
One OF the Rest Ynrds In the Country.
MIR. Winthrop expressed himself as
highly pleased with the condition ~
the yard. 1T is always great pleas
ure for me to visit the Philadelphia
Navy Yard" he said. land consider
IT one of the best in the country. What
lmpresses me particularly is the trim
condition of the park itself and the
orderly appearance OF the Marines
Upon the return from Fort Miffiin.
Mr.. winthrop boarded the new battle
shi. Utah and spent some time look
ing over the big fighter while the
work of provisioning her was in pro
greSS