The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1916-12-04
c. E. Dobson Returns From
Capital and Says Daniels
Plans to Develop Yard.
EXPECT BIG
APPROPRIATION
Declares Activity at Harnp-
ton Roads Will Not Affect
Scope Pensacola Station.

That the development of the aero.
nautic station here will not be hamp
cred by the additional activities at
Hampton Roads, and that the pro-
gram of development viii be carried
out as originally planned by Secre
tary Daniels, was the statement last
night of G. E. Dobson, who returned
yesterday from Washington, where
ne has conferred with the secretary
of the navy.
Mr.. Dobson stated that Mr.. Daniels
appeared pleased with the work here
and enthusiastic over the prospective
enlargement of the station and the
personnel of the official corps. The
storm did not cause any III impression
concerning the advantages of Pensa-
cola, said Mr.. Dobson, and it did not
lessen in the least the confidence of
the department in the original selec-
ton of this city as site for the sta
ton.
AS for the increased development
of Hampton Roads, Mr.. Dobson stated
it had been explained that the activi-
ties there would be confined almost
entirely to army maneuvers, and that
when the secretary made an inspec-~
ton of the site, the secretary Of war
also passed on the qualifications
Officials were planning, while
there, Mr.. Dobson said, for the naval
appropriation for 1918, and it is be-
lieved that the station here viii be
given large share of the money. 1t
is also probable that during the fis-
cal year of 1917 more than million
dollars viii be expended in develop
ing the station.
Concerning the reported changes in
| the officials at the yard, there is
nothing definite, but the cancellation
of. the orders transferring Captain
Stone here, is believed to signify that
no changes win be made, unless the
enlargement and development of the
navy yard forces the assignment of
a naval officer of high rank.
Other matters of Importance to
Pensacola which Mr.. Dohson brought
up while in Washington, concerned
the army reservations, and the roads
leading to the forts. Concerning with
Secretary of War Baker, Mr.. Dob
son stressed the necessity of placing
the road to Fort Barrancas under the
supervision of a quarterlnaster here,
instead of the quartermaster at New
Orleans, as is now the case.
| Under the present arrangement it
is pointed out, being at distance,
the quartermaster at New Orleans
is not as well acquainted with the
conditions Of the road as an officer
here would be.
While on the subject of government
roads, Mr.. Dobson discussed the adj
visibility OF extending the present
government road to old Fort Redoubt,
so that tourists and pleasure seekers
could have easy access to the ruins
The value of the road, Mr.. Dobson
stated, lies partly in the fact that
the old fort is a landmark of the
Civil War, and is one Of unusual his
toric interest. The road need not
stop at the old fort, but If communi-
cation is desired to be established
with the lighthouse, would be only
a small matter to extend the road
there. This matter was taken under
advisement by Secretary Baker, who
stated that he would have It investi
gated.
In conference with Admiral Har-
ris, chief of the bureau OF yards and
docks, Mr. Dobson stated that he
, learned that like Secretary Daniels
he had no prejudice because of the
storm, but expressed great delight
with the harbor here. Admiral Har.
rfs recently visited the station here
to ascertain its advisability as ar
auxiliary naval base.