The Cordova daily times., 1916-08-30
q ELIAS ABOUT
 COMPLETED

The lighthouse station on Cape St Elias, at the south end of Kayak island and on the direct route of travel from Cordoya to the states, will be in com. mission early in September, according to the statements made by Captain w. | (. Debrell. who is superintendent of lighthouses for Alaska, and was re- gently in Cordova on his way south
 The Cape St Elias light station will be one of the greatest aids to navi- gaCion on the northern steamer run, as all westward boats are forced to round the Cape twice each trip. The Cape extends several miles south Of the mainland and directly across the route of travel. making it necessary for the steamers to run several miles out of direct course. In stormy wea- ther or in f0ggy weather in the past steamers have frequently been forced to lay for hours off the Cape waiting for the weather to clear enough for them to get their bearings from the land.
 A brief description of the station prepared by Captain Debrell follows:
 This station consists of tower supporting a lantern, direct connected at one corner with fog signal build ing, back Of which and continuous with it is a storage building for oil, dstillate, coal and water. The build ings named are all of reinforced con crete construction, except the super structure of the tower, which is of iron and bronze.
 Other buildings located in proxim- ity to the tower. where they best serve their several purposes are a dwelling constructed of cement, sand, brick on concrete foundations, boat house and hoist house both of the same con stTuCion Carpenter and forge shops are accommodated in the latter two buildings. Rail trans connect the east and west beaches of the Cape with the various structures and are served by oil engine hOists.
 The illuminant is coal oil yapOrized and burned on a group of three man ties. showing from a revolving lens of the third order of modern make, a double flash every twenty seconds. The fog signal consists of first class air sirens sounding a group of two blasts every minute from double mOuthed trumpets, the blasts being four seconds long. with four second interval between them. The air is compressed by oil engine compressors
 in storage tanks. whence it is taken to the sirens All equipment is in du. plicate to preclude delays in service due to possible breakdowns of machinery.
 There will be three keepers resi- dent .of this station without families The wireless station which has been in operation during the past con struction season may possibly be con tinued in operation until May next year. A regularly appointed licensed radio operator is in charge Of the wireless installation.
 The station is constructed from special appropriation made by con gross in the sum Of sl15,00O. Con struction began June I, 1915, the pre- liminary surveys being made in May of the same year. It is an aid much desired by mariners. for all vessels bound westward. whether from the inside passage or direct. must make Cape St Elias before proceeding fur, ther.
 AS a preliminary aid and to mark South East Rock. lying between two | and three miles off Cape St. Elias, large gas lighted, whistling and sub, marine bell buoy has been established | in about 24 fathoms Of water off the Cape The whistle and bell are actu- ated by the sea.