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1899.] MARINE REVIEW. a a Re Under ordinary circumstances of war with a first-class maritime nation our ships would have been embarrassed for want of coal. It is not con- sidered that this report is a proper place for an extended argument in favor of establishing coal depots or stations. Attention, however, may here be called to the difficulties encountered by Admiral Cervera in supplying his fleet with coal. As Spain had landed possessions in the West Indies it may be said that a United States fleet must, if called upon to act at any point across the Atlantic, encounter even greater difficulties than were found by Admiral Cervera. As a matter of fact it may be stated, without fear of contradiction, that at present it would be impossible for a United States fleet to carry on operations during a war anywhere about the coast of Europe, Africa, a large portion of Asia and South America for want of coal. This country has assumed a position of great responsibility in con- nection with the maintenance of sovereignty of territory of the South American republics against any aggression on the part of any European nation, and yet there is not a single port where coal or supplies may be obtained in time of war by a United States ship anywhere on the eastern or western coast of South America. In the West Indies and the Pacific ocean we are now somewhat better off. It is of paramount importance, however, to establish a coal depot on each side of the isthmus of Panama near the termini of the Isthmian canal." In regard to the general condition of coal depots Admiral Bradford says that the piers and slips of the depot at Honolulu are to be completed by contract in March next and that the depot at Pago Pago, Samoa, will soon be established. It is recommended that a coaling station be estab- DOUBLE AVETED 17 be facilities for storing and handling coal rapidly at the navy yard, Ports- mouth, N. H.; navy yard, Boston, Massachusetts; naval station, New Lon- don, Conn.; navy yard, New York; navy yard, League island, Pa.; naval sation, Port Royal, S. C., and navy yard, Pensacola, Fla. , there is much need for a coaling station in the vicinity of ¥rench- man's bay, coast of Maine, and in Narragansett bay, Rhode Island. No good coal for steaming purposes is mined near the Pacific coast. For this reason it is transported there from Great Britain, Australia, New Zealand or the Atlantic coast. Owing to the uncertainties due to the transporta- tion of any merchandise for such a long distance by water, the uncertain demand for use on board naval vessels, and to the fluctuating prices in freights, it is evident that there should be large storage facilities at naval stations and other places of rendezvous for naval ships on this coast. Thu nevy has relied upon local dealers who proved during the late war to he totally unable to supply the demand at reasonable rates. The temptation to take advantage of the necessities of the government at such a time are very great, but should by no means be permitted. Besides most of the coal imported into San Francisco is not sufficiently good for naval use. The only remedy is to keep on hand large amounts of coal in store. There should be in San Francisco a storage capacity for at least 100,000 tons. "It is recommended that congress be asked to authorize retired offi- cers of the navy to be placed in charge of naval coal depots. Many of them, while not physically qualified to undergo the hardships and expo- sure incident to sea service, are qual*fied for this duty. They are better adapted for it, owing to their professional knowledge, than civilians; being | FROM STEM RL2.7Ta (0"AT AFTER £(°2 "p ok Upenern FROM STEAM To/(DRT ATER EQ o SEOTIONAL PUAN OF THE NEW FIREBOAT FOR THE OITY OF BUFFALO. lished at Yokohama under an old lease from the Japanese sovernen and that facilities be provided for the storing of 10,000 tons of coal ae pa mprovements are urged for the coaling stations at Manila. Y me Bradford says that a coaling station should be established near the Yucatan passage, the Windward passage, Mona passage and Virgin | nea all being important strategic points. "Foreign coaling stations, e en "which do not carry with them sovereign rights are of very little va ue The ordinary coaling stations for commercial ships are sufficient as a le for war vessels during times of peace. During war, however, the gover ment must rely upon its own resources. : The BNE the bureau of equipment also recommends 2 Sane te and the improvement of domestic coaling stations. At the Dee the late war," he says, "with the exception of a shed at Key Mee ae, capacity of 3,000 tons, there were no accommodations abe - Aa yards or naval stations of our own coast for the receipt or eee Gast or means for rapid handling of the same in accordance with E © fae oat mercial practice of the day. The navy had relied ae A se ia dealers to supply coal to ships in the stream, by means 0 ie E FGeO * quired. The bureau was much embarrassed during the aa bes a it was satisfy the demands of commanding officers for ers nae este eed frequently impossible to coal ships which were patro at : ide of their reasonable time. Merchant ships are generally coaled alongs! iations Piers while men of war are without such facilities. Dee These were made during the last congress for remedying Lees: e = esata appropriations have only been available since July ee ieee there will little progress has been made upon the work. When comple commissioned officers they are subject to a court martial for any mal- feasance in ottice and the government would receive some return for the compensation paid them. Many retired officers would be glad to perform this duty for the difference between retired pay and duty pay. It should he stipulated that wnen performing this duty they should receive the same rate of pay as those on the active list." SHIP BUILDING ON THE PACIFIC COAST. George W. Dickey, manager of the Union Iron Works of San Fran- cisco, during a speech at the banquet of the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers in New York last week, made a noteworthy predic- tion in regard to the future development of ship building on the Pacific ae twenty-five years ago," said Mr. Dickey, "I said to some friends of mine: 'It won't be many years before we are building iron ships on the Pacific coast.' My friend, Irving Scott, heard of this some time later and he is said to have made this comment: 'I always knew Dickey could tell a mighty good story, but this time he has gone way be- yond the bounds of reason. Why, it's absurd.' | j 5 "Now, I'll make another prediction," continued Mr. Dickey. "TI be- lieve that within a few years we shall be building steel ships on the Pacific coast, with nearly 200 feet of length for each thousand miles they have to travel; that is, ships at least 1,000 feet long. Trans-Atlantic ships have about reached these proportions, and I believe Pacific ships will soon do the same thing."