32 THE DELA MATER IRON WORKS, ETC. 



Webb asked me thirty or more years ago to become one of the charter members of Webb's 

 Academy and Home for Shipbuilders. I have had the honor of being connected with that 

 institution ever since, and I also have the great satisfaction of knowing what great good that 

 institution has done for this coimtry in educating naval architects and marine engineers. 

 So these reminiscences bring back very pleasant memories. 



Is there anyone who desires to say anything about this paper ? 



Rear Admiral Francis T. Bowles, Past President: — I have always taken an interest 

 in historical matters affecting the Navy and its development. I very much appreciate the 

 pains and time that have been taken by Mr. Porter to set down the records of the DeLamater 

 Iron Works, because I feel that the DeLamater Iron Works was the most prolific agency in 

 the development of inventions and enterprises which have gone, not only to build up the 

 Navy of the United States, but have, in many respects, formed the foundation on which 

 the modern navies of the world have been built. 



It is possible that a careful examination of this paper may bring about some discussion 

 of the facts stated, but that is inappropriate to this moment. I feel, however, Mr. President, 

 that the thanks of the Society are due to Mr. Porter, and I am sure that the facts he has set 

 forth will be of benefit to this Society for all time. I move a formal vote of thanks of the 

 Society to Mr. Porter. 



Rear Admiral Washington L. Capps, Vice-President: — I would like to associate 

 myself with Admiral Bowles in expressing the appreciation of the Society of Mr. Porter's 

 admirable presentation of the historical facts recorded in this paper. Several statements of 

 fact will, undoubtedly, be news to a great many, and other statements of fact which have 

 been recorded are eminently worthy of record. For instance, the fact that civilian employees 

 of the DeLamater Iron Works were actually on board the Monitor on that historic occasion, 

 when warship naval architecture was almost revolutionized, is something that very few people 

 know. These civilian employees went into battle apparently as a part of their day's work, and 

 this notable fact has probably been forgotten by many. 



I think we are all under obligations to Mr. Porter for having gone to so much trouble 

 in bringing together the facts and recording them in permanent form, and I will heartily 

 second Admiral Bowles's motion for a vote of thanks. 



The President put the motion to vote and it was duly carried. 



The President: — Mr. Porter, will you accept the thanks of the Society? 



Mr. Porter : — I thank you. 



The President: — ^The next paper on the program is No. 2, entitled, "Revival of 

 Wooden Shipbuilding as a war Industry," by Mr. Carlos De Zafra, M. E., Associate 

 Member. 



