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Aside from the increased efficiency which would result in war time, a time for which navy-yards are primarily created, such lighting in other times is of great value for emergencies, police purposes, and for work during short winter days. Even in a nation like Japan the principal Government dock-yard has been lighted by electricity for years.

It is with great satisfaction that the Bureau has noted the action of Congress in directing the preliminary steps for the settlement of the questions of the locations of navy-yards upon the Gulf of Mexico and the northwestern coast of the Pacific. The great and growing maritime and naval interests in these waters would not justify a further postponement of these important matters.

A very considerable expenditure has been made during the past fiscal year from the general appropriation for repairs and preservation for the purpose of putting the docking facilities of the navy in good order. Extensive repairs have been given to all of the various dry-docks and their appliances; some attention, however, is still required to these necessary adjuncts, which will be given, as far as possible, during the present fiscal year.

Under the heads, now following, of the different navy-yards and stations I submit my views upon such operations of the past year and estimates for the coming fiscal year as are deemed worthy of special mention.

NAVY-YARD, PORTSMOUTH, N. H.

An amount of $22,748 was expended during the past fiscal year for the extensive repair of the balance dry-dock at this station. This structure is now in excellent order, and when the repairs upon the hauling-out ways used with this dry-dock shall have been completed, there will be adequate and efficient provision for docking purposes at this yard.

I renew my estimate of $6,350, made last year, for increasing the water supply here, and submit an estimate of $6,080 for the completion of the hydrant system.

NAVY-YARD, BOSTON, MASS.

The repairs upon wharf No. 2, which amounted to an entire rebuilding of the structure, have been completed in a most substantial and satisfactory manner. The wooden caisson for the dry-dock has been thoroughly rebuilt, and considerable repairs have been made to the structure itself. I renew my request, made last year, for $25,389.25 for rebuilding wharf No. 5, this wharf being so unsafe as to be unfit for service. I also renew my estimate of $28,610, made last year, for rebuilding quarters L, M, N, and O. These houses are in such a condition that their complete reconstruction should be at once undertaken.

In examining the wooden shears formerly used for lifting heavy weights at this yard, it was found that they had decayed to such an extent as to be unfit for further service. An estimate of $7,950 is submitted and urged upon the attention of Congress for the purpose of obtaining steel shears with a lifting capacity of 100 tons for this yard, at which there is now no means whatsoever for lifting heavy weights.

NAVY-YARD, NEW YORK.

The following are the principal works of improvement that have been in progress during the past fiscal year at this very important yard.

The construction of the new timber dry-dock is progressing favorably. Before this work could be commenced it was found necessary to change the location of the main water-pipe and relief-sewer. This be ing done, the work was commenced by the contractors, J. E. Simpson & Co., November 14, 1887, and there is every indication that the work will be finished within the stipulated time of two years. The length of this dock will be 500 feet, but it is to be regretted that a further extension was not authorized by Congress to a length of 600 feet; such an extension would have added materially to the docking capacity of this yard as well as to the port of New York.

The work of repairing the old or granite dry-dock at this yard, which was mentioned in my last report, has been completed in a very substantial and satisfactory manner, and this dock is now in constant use.

Building No. 7, used for offices at this yard, was partially destroyed by fire January 6, 1888. Provision was made during the present session of Congress for its reconstruction, and the work of rebuilding has been actively begun. From the general appropriations very extensive work has been done here in repairing and rebuilding the fire-engine house; in rebuilding and repairing the water front and wharfage of the yard proper and the cob-dock; in repairing and extending the railway system about the ship-house in which the armored cruiser is to be constructed, and in dredging the water-front and completing the entrance into Whitney Basin.

Further and extensive repairs are, however, urgently needed to the cob-dock, for which a special appropriation of $78,375 is asked. The portion of this water-frontage lying between the part repaired last year, and where the receiving-ship Vermont now lies, is decayed, undermined, and unsafe. Any temporary repairs would be a useless waste of money, and as this part of the cob-dock is very much needed for ships that are repairing and fitting for sea, there is also this addi tional necessity for immediate and extensive repairs.

An estimate is submitted for a sum of $50,000 to continue the work of improving Whitney Basin by erecting substantial crib-work around the inside of the basin, so that the necessary dredging can be carried on to make the basin available for larger vessels.

Estimates are also submitted for a general paint and oil store to lessen danger by fire, and for a further extension of the railroad system throughout the yard, such a system being a necessary adjunct to so large an establishment, with such heavy weights to handle.

NAVY-YARD, LEAGUE ISLAND, PENNSYLVANIA.

Provision having been made by Congress for the construction of a dry-dock at this yard and for other purposes, the Bureau deems it necessary, in order that the yard be made more available for naval purposes, to submit an estimate of $155,000 for dredging and filling in; and Also, an estimate of $26,416 for building a landing wharf at the foot of Fifteenth street.

As quarters are now rented in the city for officers stationed here, an estimate of $30,000 is also offered for the erection of suitable dwellings at this station.

NAVY-YARD, NORFOLK, VA.

The construction of the new timber dry-dock authorized by Congress to be located here is progressing very satisfactorily. The work was commenced in November, 1887, and has been continued under generally

favorable conditions, so that, as far as it is possible to foresee, it will be completed within the stipulated time.

The erection of an engine-house and the extension of the railway system at this yard is in progress and will be completed at an early date. Out of the general appropriations, the saw-mill was demolished to make room for the new dry-dock, and the fire-engine house removed to afford space for the sheds needed in the construction of the Texas. In addition to general repairs, the roof of the steam-engineering buildings is being extended, so as to inclose a space for an erecting shop. The dry-dock caisson here has been also extensively repaired.

An estimate of $150,000 is submitted for the extension of the stone quay-wall along the water front. Additional available water frontage is needed at this yard, and it can be permanently provided in this way. The teredo is so destructive in these waters as to make the cost of the maintenance of timber wharfage expensive. There being no available anchorage space off or in the immediate vicinity of the yard, a good and sufficient line of water front is especially necessary, and if this should be provided no extension of the yard area is needed. For this reason, also, the conversion of the present shallow wet basin, built for the pres ervation of timber, into a deep fitting-out basin is earnestly advocated. The situation of this basin is convenient for vessels fitting out or undergoing repairs, and its use as a timber basin has almost entirely passed away.

An estimate of $100,000 for the purpose of the commencement and continuance of this work is submitted.

The quarters provided at this yard are insufficient to accommodate the officers stationed here, and an estimate of $16,000 is made for two additional houses.

NAVY-YARD, MARE ISLAND, CAL.

It is important that this yard should be placed in a thoroughly equipped condition in every respect.

An estimate is submitted, to be made available at once, for the sum of $80,000 for the purpose of completing the new stone dry-dock, so long under construction. An estimate was made by Civil Engineer Wolcott, in charge of its construction, in June, 1885, for the amount of $191,595 as being sufficient to insure the completion of the dock. No further estimate was made or money asked for until May 28, of this year, when a report was made that the amount on hand was insufficient for the completion of the dock, and an estimate was submitted for the sum of $80,000 for this purpose.

After a complete examination the Bureau finds the cause of the dif ference between the original estimate and the amount necessary to finish the dock to be from the delays upon the part of the contractors to furnish granite; from the increased cost, nearly 33 per cent., of cutting and dressing the granite, and from the fact that the original estimate was made without due regard for the contingencies liable to occur in Government work of this character.

The dock is so far completed as to be in use for docking vessels, the French flagship Duquesne having been docked successfully during the past fiscal year.

The cisterns provided for by appropriation made last year have all been completed but one. They are placed at convenient points to furnish water in case of fire, and also near buildings which under ordinary circumstances will give them a supply of fresh water during the rainy season from their roofs.

The artesian well having been deepened to 1,360 feet by the bondsmen of the failing contractor without reaching water, was abandoned by him, and will be carried on by yard employés under the direction of the Bureau.

From the general appropriation of repairs and preservation, the Bureau has been enabled to do very extensive and valuable work at this yard, with respect to the medical dispensary, equatorial building, and to the roadways. The wharf south of the ferry-slip was finished and very considerable repairs made to the floating dry-dock and its appur

tenances.

Probably the most important question connected with this navyyard, at present coming under the cognizance of this Bureau, is the provision of a permanent and straight water frontage.

The waters of the stream upon which this yard is situated carry a great quantity of mud and silt, and where the line of the front is broken eddies occur and rapid deposits result. A quay-wall is partially built along this front, and gives to that extent a permanent and straight front, satisfactory in its nature and economical in maintenance. A gap of 800 feet exists from the end of the present quay-wall to the ferry-slip, and an estimate of $110,000 is submitted to enable the Bureau to commence and continue the construction of this wall during the present fiscal year.

The whole subject of the broken line of water frontage has undergone a thorough examination, and as a result of this examination the Bureau recommends that an appropriation be made to enable it to remove the present ferry-slip and reconstruct it permanently inside of the waterfront line and to remove the north return-wall of the sectional dockbasin, with the old wharfage near by, and rebuild it on a line with the present water-front.

An estimate of $30,947.84 is submitted for this purpose, the importance of which can be understood when it is stated that the results of the deposits in this vicinity cause constant and serious shoaling in front of the new dry-dock, involving trouble in docking and undocking vessels and constant expense for dredging.

Additional estimates are submitted for putting the remaining working roads in permanent order, for a new gate and guard-house, for the erection of an additional 12-ton swinging crane along the water front, and the removal of the present gas-holder.

If the appropriation for inaugurating a system of electric lighting at this yard is made as requested, the necessity for the expenditure of the $16,664.09 asked for this latter purpose will be removed. The question of electric lighting in this yard is particularly important, as the gas now used is carried under water in pipes from Vallejo, and is subject to accidents from vessels anchoring, etc., thus causing both expense and annoyance.

NAVY-YARD, PENSACOLA, FLA.

As Congress has provided for a commission to examine the matter of the site of a navy-yard upon the Gulf in an exhaustive manner, no appropriation is asked for improvements at this yard until this question is finally settled.

NAVAL STATIONS, ETC.

Naval station, New London, Conn.-No work of any kind has been done or is proposed at this station, and the expenditures incurred were only such as were found necessary to care for the property now there.

Navy-yard, Washington, D. C.-This yard, though set aside principally as an ordnance manufacturing yard, requires a considerable sum annually from the funds of this Bureau for purposes of repairs and preservation and maintenance. An estimate is submitted for the permanent extension of the yard wall.

Naval station, Port Royal, S. C.-This station is now in working order as a coal depot and store-house. An estimate is submitted for a house for a second officer at this place.

Naval station, Key West, Fla.-Only the repairs absolutely necessary have been given here. I can but express my regret that provision was not made for quarters for the two officers stationed here. This station, though a very necessary one, is undesirable as a residence, and it is no more than justice that provision for quarters should be made at this place.

Naval station, Sackett's Harbor, N. Y.-This station has been closed for many years, and only the amounts necessary for the care of the little property here has been expended.

NAVAL ASYLUM, PHILADELPHIA, PA.

The expenditures at this institution for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1888, are as follows:

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22,984.81

Paints, dry goods, lumber, coal and wood, provender, hardware, miscellaneous and house sundries...

7,578.93

For support of beneficiaries..

45, 455, 19

Pay of employés....

9, 108.78

Repairs to buildings, for grates, furnaces, ranges, furniture, and repairs to furniture....

3, 155, 41

Water rent and gas

1,442. 15

Cemetery, burial expenses, and headstones..

247.82

Improvement of grounds

131.85

Music in chapel.....

504.00

Total expenditures for year 1887-'88...

60,045. 20

Estimates are respectfully submitted for the Naval Asylum for fiscal

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For stores of dry goods, paints, lumber, provender, hardware, miscellaneous and house sundries...

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For repairs to buildings, furnaces, grates, ranges, furniture, and repairs to furniture...

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500.00

4,500.00

600.00 4,850.00

4,000.00

80, 125.00

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