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Mr. ROBERTS. Complete, ready to occupy?

Admiral HOLLYDAY. Yes, sir.

Mr. HOBSON. How many additional inmates will it accommodate Admiral HOLLYDAY. It is a duplicate of the other wing and wil contain 320 cells.

Mr. ROBERTS. Do you know anything about the necessity of additional prison accommodations?

Admiral HOLLYDAY. I understand that this is urgently needed The Secretary of the Navy and the Judge-Advocate-General are the two officers who could tell you more about it. I have nothing to do except to submit the estimate and to build the structure.

Mr. ROBERTS. As you know, they have two prison ships there now? Admiral HOLLYDAY. Yes, sir. They are crowded. They want to get the prisoners out of the ships and into the prison. I have heard it stated frequently that they had to let men go before their time expired, but as a matter of fact I have no official knowledge about it. Mr. BUTLER. Do they have what is known as a prison eligible list--a waiting list?

Admiral HOLLYDAY. Not that I know of.

In that connection the Judge-Advocate-General has sent me a memorandum, which, I understand, has the approval of the department, in which he recommends that the same wording be used as in connection with the military prison at Leavenworth, Kans., the object being to have the prisoners do a lot of work. It reads in this

way:

"This amount to be expended so as to give the maximum amount of employment to the inmates of the prison."

The gist of the matter is, it is recommended that that clause be put in the bill so that this amount could be expended to give the maximum amount of employment to the inmates of the prison. There is some doubt as to whether under the present law they can use the prisoners for doing the work. It is done at other prisons. The federal prisons have the same authority. This can be found in Digest of Appropriations 1908, page 487.

Mr. HOBSON. Would that come in right after "naval prison extension" or after the word "dollars?"

Admiral HOLLYDAY. After "naval prison extension." It would then read: "Naval prison extension, this amount to be expended so as to give the maximum amount of employment to the inmates of the prison, $250,000," if you determine to incorporate it. The estimate submitted from the yard was $350,000, which the bureau regards as excessive, notwithstanding the increased cost of labor and material since the first construction was authorized. If the clause is inserted allowing the use of prisoners, I am of the opinion that the wing can be completed for $250,000.

Mr. PADGETT. Last year the bill read: "Naval prison extension, $65,000." Was the total amount appropriated last year for that extension?

Admiral HOLLYDAY. That was to complete the cells and some other auxiliaries, but principally the cells.

Mr. PADGETT. What was the total cost of the prison extension which the $65,000 completed?

Admiral HOLLYDAY. Three hundred and sixty thousand dollars.

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Mr. PADGETT. Will the $250,000 asked for this other wing complete it?

Admiral HOLLYDAY. That is intended to entirely complete the wing.

Mr. PADGETT. How would it be to add before the words "naval prison extension" "to complete?"

Admiral HOLLYDAY. "To complete second wing" would cover the ground better.

Mr. PADGETT. I just want to make the $250,000 do the work that it is supposed it will do.

The CHAIRMAN. The next item is "rebuilding and fireproofing building numbered 20, $43,500." What is that?

Admiral HOLLYDAY. I regard that item as second in importance. This building was partially destroyed by fire in April, 1907. It was formerly occupied by the general storekeeper and the department of steam engineering. The building should be reconstructed, as in its present condition it is not fit for the service required of it.

The CHAIRMAN. The next item is "electric capstan for quay wall, $3,000."

Admiral HOLLYDAY. I regard that as first in importance. The only berthing place for a large vessel about to enter dry dock No. 2 is along the quay wall on the east side of the approach channel. With the wind from the west there is great need of means by which the stern of the vessel can be pulled into mid-channel. It is thought that an electric capstan will best effect this.

The CHAIRMAN. The next item is, "foundry building (to cost $250,000), $50,000." Have you not a foundry building there?

Admiral HOLLYDAY. That is third in importance. The foundry formerly occupied by the department of steam engineering was condemned and removed about two years ago, since which time foundry work of that department has all been done in the old brass foundry, which is far too small, even in the present time of inactivity in the yard, to do the work required. Furthermore, near this building there is no available open area suitable for the storage of flasks and foundry material. There is a foundry occupied by the department of construction and repair, but this is little better with regard to size and location than the present brass foundry of the department of steam engineering. A new foundry in which all the work of the various departments can be done is necessary.

The CHAIRMAN. How many foundries have we there now under other bureaus?

Admiral HOLLYDAY. There were at least two in operation a year ago. I think there is only one in operation now.

Mr. ROBERTS. Under the reorganization scheme all foundry work will be done in one foundry?

Admiral HOLLYDAY. It is now, except where one foundry can not, on account of its size, take care of the work. Possibly at Mare Island it is necessary to have two foundries to do the work.

Mr. HOBSON. Will this take the place of the foundry that is in operation?

Admiral HOLLYDAY. The foundry in operation is entirely inadequate. There are possibly two there now, very small affairs, not adequate to take care of the work. This would take the place of whatever is being used now.

Mr. BUTLER. Can you tell me how much work was done at this navy-yard last year?

Admiral HOLLYDAY. No, sir.

Mr. BUTLER. Were there any ships sent there?

Admiral HOLLYDAY. Yes, sir.

The Maine was there in the fall.

When I was up there I saw the Chester. Other vessels go there constantly.

Mr. BUTLER. The Chester did not need any repairs. She had just been put into commission.

Admiral HOLLYDAY. Generally, when they are taken over by the Government there is some work necessary.

Mr. BUTLER. You are not able to give us the amount of work done there in dollars and cents?

Admiral HOLLYDAY. No, sir. That may be in the Secretary's report. I have not seen his report, and I do not believe it is out yet. Mr. PADGETT. Why is it the practice of the Government in making contracts for the construction of vessels to leave out various items for the Government to put in after the completion of the private contract?

Admiral HOLLYDAY. All that comes under the Bureau of Construction and Repair, the Bureau of Steam Engineering, and the Bureau of Equipment. I do not know anything about it. I have nothing to do with it.

Mr. PADGETT. You do not know why? It seems to me it is a confusing method of doing business.

The CHAIRMAN. You do not have anything to do with that?
Admiral HOLLYDAY. No, sir.

Mr. HOBSON. Could you give us a supplementary statement in your hearing of the cost of the foundry buildings in the other navyyards?

Admiral HOLLYDAY. All of them?

Mr. HOBSON. The ones recently constructed.

Admiral HOLLYDAY. Yes, sir. Portsmouth, construction and repair foundry, 1902, $56,900; Philadelphia, steam engineering foundry and coppersmith shop, 1905, $116,500; New York, steam engineering, 1865, $227,500; Charleston, construction and repair, 1906, $72,600. Mr. HOBSON. And the amount of work per year that they do on the average?

Admiral HOLLYDAY. I can not give you the amount of work on the average they do. That would have to come from the Secretary of the Navy. It does not come under my bureau, and I do not know anything about it.

The CHAIRMAN. The next item is: "Navy-yard, Boston, Massachusetts: Power plant, extensions, one hundred and forty-five thousand dollars." Last year we gave you $150,000.

Admiral HOLLYDAY. That was practically one-half of what we said. would be necessary to complete the plant. This item is first in importance for Boston: In its last annual report the bureau stated that $295,000 were required to complete the central power plant. Less than half this amount was appropriated and the remainder will be required for this object. In addition to what can be done with the money already appropriated, the following items are required: Two boilers, 450 horsepower each, including foundations, superheaters, feed pumps, piping, etc.; 5,000 cubic feet air compressor, including

foundations, condensers, receiver, inter-cooler, after-cooler, piping, and connections; 2,000-kilowatt turbo-generator, including condenser, dry vacuum pump, steam and exhaust connections, foundations, etc. When this installation has been made it is believed that there will be sufficient power in the yard for all purposes for many years to come. The CHAIRMAN. Will this estimate complete it?

Admiral HOLLYDAY. Yes, sir.

The CHAIRMAN. Will you have to have some other buildings?
Admiral HOLLYDAY. No, sir.

The CHAIRMAN. The next item is: "Dredging, five thousand dollars?"

Admiral HOLLYDAY. This is third in importance. It is to have some money on hand for doing dredging around the wharves where shoaling appears. We have not any work in contemplation at present. We have not any money to work with. That sort of thing comes up every year and we should have a small amount of money to do the work when it becomes necessary.

Mr. HOBSON. Have you a dredge?

Admiral HOLLYDAY. No, sir.

Mr. HOBSON. This would be contract work?

Admiral HOLLYDAY. Yes. It is only $5,000 and that is an arbitrary sum. I do not know but what $2,500 might carry us through, but $5,000 is a small amount. It is not for any work we have in view at the present time; it is just to have a small sum on hand in case it is necessary. If it is not necessary the work will not be done. Mr. HOBSON. Have you any dredges available?

Admiral HOLLYDAY. None at all. We are submitting estimates for two dredging plants this year.

The CHAIRMAN. The next item is "Sewer system, extensions, two thousand five hundred dollars?"

Admiral HOLLYDAY. I regard that as fourth in importance of the items at Boston. The power plant is the first in importance. I regard the sewer extensions as fourth in importance. Some of the sewers of the yard require reconstructing and some new connections should be made with the yard surface-drainage system or with the metropolitan sewer system of Boston. This is a very important item. Mr. PADGETT. Which do you regard as second and third in importance?

Admiral HOLLYDAY. I have not come to them. I will name them when I come to them.

Mr. ROBERTS. Will this complete the sewer-system extensions? Admiral HOLLYDAY. The sewer system is practically completed now, but we are constantly changing the buildings and that makes it necessary to run a sewer pipe connecting with the sewer system that is complete. There are some things of that sort. It is just the same as the dredging.

Mr. ROBERTS. There are no new buildings contemplated in that yard?

Admiral HOLLYDAY. We are changing the buildings and changing the use of the buildings.

Mr. ROBERTS. Can you get along without that?

Admiral HOLLYDAY. I think it is a safe thing to put in. I do not know that we will have to use it this year.

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The CHAIRMAN. The next item is "Improvements to water front, one hundred thousand dollars?"

Admiral HOLLYDAY. I consider that second in importance. The berthing space at this navy-yard is inadequate. Not only should additional space be provided, but extensive renewals are required in order to make fully available improvements of long standing. Piers 1, 8, and 9 are in bad condition and require practical renewal. It is estimated that the proposed rebuilding will cost about one-half of the sum necessary for new piers, and at the same time these piers will be placed in such condition as to be practically new. It is further proposed to build a slip between pier No. 2 and dry dock No. 2, and a new pier to serve as an approach to dry dock No. 3.

The CHAIRMAN. Could that not go over another year without detriment?

Admiral HOLLYDAY. I would recommend against it. Possibly $50,000 would carry us through this year. We could make the most urgent repairs and follow it up next year with a sufficient sum.

The CHAIRMAN. The next item is "Ropewalk fire protection, ten thousand dollars?"

Admiral HOLLYDAY. I consider that sixth in importance. This extensive plant is not as well protected from fire as is regarded advisable, and this estimate is submitted for the purpose of installing an improved system with a view to reducing the risk to a minimum. This item is submitted at the request of the Bureau of Equipment. Mr. ROBERTS. What is the nature of that protection, automatic sprinklers?

Admiral HOLLYDAY. Yes, sir; something along that line, or pipes with hose connected which could be used quickly. The building has been there for a long time.

The CHAIRMAN. Is that the long stone building?

Admiral HOLLYDAY. Yes, sir.

The CHAIRMAN. The next item is "Naval prison extension, five thousand dollars?"

Admiral HOLLYDAY. I consider that fifth in importance. It is proposed to extend this prison by the addition of a new wing to provide space for a mess hall, kitchen, office, sick bay containing 10 beds, a dispensary, and 3 rooms for a permanent marine guard of 60 men. The CHAIRMAN. They will want to take it out of the yard eventually?

Admiral HOLLYDAY. Yes, sir; that is the idea. As soon as the naval prison at Portsmouth is completed we will take the prison out of Boston altogether, and that building will be used for some other purpose. The Judge-Advocate-General reports that they are very much crowded, and this would be a small wing for the mess hall and kitchen and things of that sort.

Mr. PADGETT. Which is the second item in importance?

Admiral HOLLYDAY. The improvements to the water front. The dredging is third, the sewer system fourth, the naval prison fifth, and the rope-walk protection sixth. That is the order of importance in which I put these items.

The CHAIRMAN. Can not we reduce the estimate for the power plant this year and give you $100,000?

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