Evening journal., 1918-06-14
BIC DRY DOCK FOR
PHILADELPHIA PORT
Federal Commission Sends
Recommendation to
Shipping Board
PHTTY ISLAND.
CHESTER, SITES


Phil LADELPHIA. Pa, June it-Rec-
ommendation TO the United states ship
ping Board for the location Of three
drydocks in.the Delaware river shipyard
diatrict has followed promptly the visit
70 this city last week OF representatives
Of the board in accordance with the
promise OF Edward + Garry. Of Chicago,
chairman OF the Commission on Port
and Harbor Facilities. Before leaving
the city after an inspection along the
river Mr.. Carry said the harbor OF Phil
sdelphia was capable OF splendid de
velopment. The commission took sc-
ton the following day and notified
George S Webster, Director OF the De-
partment OF Whsrves, Docks and Fer
ries. After announcing the fact that
The three drydocks had been recon-
mended, Chairman Carry wrote;
we are still discussing the types OF
dock and the most desirable sites, but
wo hope 70 reach decision on these
points during the week II you have
any specific recommendations as to sites
or as TO individuals or corporations
who desire TO install the drydocks We
will be glad 20 hear from YOU"
Mr.. Webster called into consultation
representatives OF the shipbuilding in
terests, including Cramps, the Pennsyl-
vania Shipbuilding Company. on The
New Jersey side, and the sun Shipbuild-
ing Company. Of Chester, also represen-
tatlves OF maritime and trade bodies.
After going over the details Of the form
OF contract made by the shipping board,
whereby the board stipulates TO furnish
financial assistance II required to the
party or parties who build the docks,
Director Webster replied TO Chairman
Carry's letter. The reply follows;
Mr.. Edward f. Carry, chairman,
Port and Harbor Facilities Commis-
sion, i3i F street, Washington, ID. G.
Dear Slr--I wish to acknowledge the
receipt OF your letter OF June 7, In
which you state that the commission,
of which you are chairman, has de-
clded to recommend three drydocks for
Philadelphia harbor; that you are still
discussing the type Of dock and the
most desirable sites; and asking me to
make specific recommendations as TO
sites or as 10 individuals or corpora
tions who desire 10 install drydocks In
this vicinity.
In reply thereto, ! would state that !
called a meeting this morning Of a NUM-
Der Of gentlemen connected with the
maritime interests and Trade organiza-
tions of Philadelphia. and also repre-
sentatives OF the shipbullding indus
try.
After a very fun discussion OF The
whole subject 70 was unanimously
agreed to recommend TO you that the
three docks which you have suggested
for this harbor should be OF the type
known as craving" docks, the opinion
being that the conditions in the Della
ware river are not "dapted for the use
Of the large floating drydock.
II also was unanimously agreed TO
suggest as sites for the three drydocks
First. That a large craving dock
not less than 900 feet or more than
1000 feet long be constructed at Pet
ty Island; that 10 be so built that II
would have gates in the middle and
at both end leading through to
the back channel on the cast side
OF Petty Island. This could he
operated as one dock when vessels
OF great length required docking,
and as two docks when small yes-
sells are repaired
This location appears 10 possess
special advantages-it is located
close to the large repair machine
and boiler shops Of Cramps and
other nearby shipyards; has direct
railroad connection and Is in a To-
cality where skilled labor can read
lly be obtained.
Second That a drydock not less
than Cps feet In length be construct
ed south Of and adjacent to the sun
shipbuilding plant in the vicinity
Of Chester, Pa. south OF Philadel-
phis.
This location also has the advsn-
tage OF being adjacent to two large,
well-equlpped shipysrds, and with
in about five miles OF the large Hog
Island shipyard.
Third. For the third drydock we
would suggest the following sites.
which are given in the order OF
their Importance.
(a). On the Philadelphia side OF
the Delaware river, between the
new Mexican street pier and the
Philadelphia Navy Yard. This loca-
tion would be IN close proximity
TO the Philadelphia ship repair
yard. and to the New York. Penn
sylvsnia and the New Jersey ship
Yards on the New Jersey side, all
OF which are well equipped for
repair work.
~. On the New Jersey shore be-
tween Kaigns Point and the Penn
sylyania Shipyard near Gloucester.
This site possesses the advantage
Of being close to three great ship
yards. namely, the New York, Penn
sylyania and New Jersey. equipped
for all classes Of repair work and
close TO ample labor market
(cl. A moderate-sized drydock on
Petty Island. near the site recon-
rnanded fnr fhn nrai drudncl rhla