The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1913-06-16

/ Read Admiral John r. Edwards, U.
! 8. n. Capt. George Evans, u g. N.
| Naval Constructor w. @. DuBose and
! Civil Engineer A. l.. Parsons arrived
In PENSACOLA yesterday and are guests
at the San Carlos.
This party of DISTINGUISHED naval
officers come to Pensacola for the
purpose or making a thorough in
spection of the navy yard. where the
nlted States government has spent
several million dollars.
1t VIII be remembered that Secre-
tary or the Navy Josephus Daniels
paid visit to the yard on May 6th.
and expressed himself as being favor
ably impressed whit the conditions
existing here as he found them, but
made no specific promise as to their
disposition on his return to Washing
ton. His predecessor, Secretary Mey-
er ordered the yard closed several
years ago
The visit Of Rear Admiral Edwards
ana his party has q great deal OF
significance. In fact. the future Of
the yard depends upon the report Of
this board. They have visited several
southern cities within the past few
days and when they have concluded
will make their final report to the
navy department at Washington.
REPORT ON TWO MATTERS.
It Is understood the board i'm its
report TO the navy department will
deal with two matters, ono the fit
ness Of the yard as "A repair sta
ton for small vessels, which would in
clude torpedo boats and torpedo boat
destroyers. and the other "A suit
ablo location for the forwarding out
ft, comprising all Of the marines Of
the United States The latter head
quarters are now in Philadelphia but
owing to tho fact that the future ac-
tivities of this outfit will be in the
1a
desire Of the navy department to get
the maries TO some point more acCes-
sible to the canal than the Phla-
delphia. yard.
navy yard the board will consider it's
military features and will also go
about physical inspection Of the
possible industrial activities OF the
yard. as TO its capacity for repairing
vessels, etc.
Rear Admiral Edwards stated last
night that in the event that the yard
is rehabilitated that 1t would necessi-
tate certain improvements.
After deciding what will be requir-
ed the board will hold a consultation
at which it is hoped that the bus
mess men and others will be pres
ent and point out from their personal
study the conditions existing wherein
the development OF the station would
to naval efficiency and
national defense.
ASK FOR FACTS.
1T is hoped that the oral argument
will be presented in such a way as to
show the possibilities of the Station"
said Admiral Edwards, for the board
has no constructive powers to open
Yards or to suggest the expenditure OF
FUNDS, but merely to make obserVa-
tons. This, Of course. would natur-
ally extend to the recommendation
submitted by the board to Secretary
IF the Navy Daniels, and which will
De attached to it's work
The board is receptive OF any guE-
sestions and is not content TO make
iny hurried inspection, but II is appre-
,iated at this time that the interests
of all parties demand IL.
1T Is understood that the represen-
atives of the various commercial and
maritime associations have taken the
'ame view of the matter concerning
he development of stations as auxiIi-
Try to the navy"
The distinguished party of naval Of
icers Will be in the city until Wed
d.