Norwich bulletin., 1912-05-28
CONGRESSMAN HIGGINS
 SAVES NAVAL STATION.
Plan To Abandon It Dropped After His
 Speech in The House.
Continued from page seven)


 
 Continued from page seven.) That station is now fully equipped and the present secretary of the navy off, cially reported on February 20, 1911, that it was in good condition.
 Secretary Von Meyers predecessors in office have in their annual reports all referred to this station as a neces- sary and essential part of our naval establishment l will review what they have said, quoting from their annual reports to congress. Their judgment and opinion is not to be treated lightly and is founded upon an appreciation of the true conditions.
 Expenditures Small.
 Secretary Long in 1899:
 The expenses of the bureau at this sta ton during the last fiscal year have been small. chiefly for coal, water and as lighters. New London, being located near and inside of the outer defenses of the city of New York is q very important strategic point and af- lords a valuable harbor for torpedo boats and other small ships. It is also an important site for the storage of coal for war purposes In accordance with the recommendation of the coal board of which Rear Admiral Charles F. Belknap was president, buildings for the storage Of 25,000 tons are now in process of construction"
 Again in 1900 Secretary Long said
 During the past year a modern coal storage house constructed of granite and steel has been completed at this station. It is located conveniently for the transportation of coal to and from the pier built some year ago. Modern steam power coal conveying apparatus of the Brown type has been installed, the pier being strengthened as neces- sary for the purpose. During the past summer the Texas and several other smaller vessels cOaled at this station and reported favorably on the facilities for so doing. It is contemplated to add coal pockets to this station, in order to enable torpedo boats to be coaled with great rapidity. Its location in- side of the outer defenses of the port of New York renders this coal depot of much importance in time of war"
 Again in 1901. Secretary Long said:
 This depot has been much used by small vessels during the past year To make it more efficient coal pock- cts or bunkers of moderate capacity have been constructed on the pier for the purpose of supplying torpedo boats and small craft rapidly. Incidentally it also prevents the necessity of rais- ing steam on the power plant every time one of these small vessels re- quires coal The appliances for stor- ing coal at this depot were the first built and are capable of improvement which is contemplated in the near flu ture."
 In 1902, Secretary Moody said:
 The coal depot at this station has been of much service to the fleet dur ing the past summer; for the month o1 August the average number of ships receiving coal was more than one 6 day. The new coal pockets have beer found very useful for coaling torpedo boats and small craft. Some improve. ments in the appliances of this depot the necessity for which has been dem Onstrated by experience, are contem- plated in the future. The capacity 0, the depot without storing coal deeI enough to endanger its safety iron spontaneous combustion is about 7,00( tons. Its importance is due to the fac that it is located just inside the outer defenses of New York city" Secretary Moody in 1903 reports; "The coal depot at this station has done efficient service during the pas year. No changes or extensive repair! have been made"
 Secretary Morton for the year 1s0+ reports.
 An extension to the plant at thi! depot has been commenced under tht supervision of the bureau of yard! and docks"
 In 1Q0E EnprntaTsy- 2c111 4- Capacity II, 800 tons. Water stor. age for ships use 100000 gallons il 1 tanks
 This language of Secretary Bona parte is followed in succeeding report. until the present secretary of the na. | wy recommends it's abolishment anC proposes 10 sell that which the gov ernment cannot sell, for it never pos sessed it except for a stated purpose
 All naval experts. as we'll as secre. | tai1es Of the navy. reported in favoi | of this station. until Secretary New ] berry. whose tenure of office in tha | position was very short, divided tn. subject ot purchase, transportation ant storage of coal, which had all beer handled by the bureau of equipmen Fince the civil war, among five bu Ieaus.
 Recently Built Barracks. Now, to follow the history of thi station a little further and this durinj the term of the present secretary 0 1 the navy. who now advocates ant l urges repudiation and recommends tha | this government break its solemn pledges. s18,00O was spent at thi | station for marine barracks within | few years. The buildings that wert already on the property and had beel 1 for years, were repaired, and in addi | ton a marine training school Wal established. The coaling station was however. continued, and is now il good working form.
 If was generally considered i3Y thos l the best able to jddge that il afSrds an ideal location for marine trainih. 1 school, There is any aDundahee . 1 fresh water AvallaDie An tHiS proPefty | The &eN York, %z@ Has en * Hart ! lord railroad bisect2 il. l. i9 easil 1 accessible to all eas,eFH centera ? | ponIlA ion, -bdt even aItAy tna 5apea allure Of this iAoney fog the marines ] their satisfaction with tae surg9SAd iHgR. and with ne re4ssH essisned, tha' were shipped ei-esFnTrp and this sehsa , gas abandoned, Twe or three met