72 FLOATING DRY DOCKS IN THE UNITED STATES. 



features of the particular dock designed by Mr. Donnelly for the John M. Robins 

 Co., but the ingenious flooding and pumping arrangement is especially worthy of 

 commendation. The writer was present at the official docking test and testifies 

 to the splendid working of every part in sinking and in raising. At all times the 

 trim was under perfect control and an inexperienced dock master might have 

 conducted the operation with perfect safety. The same praise applies to ever)^ 

 detail of the Robins shipyard, which has been rearranged for electric power through- 

 out, in accordance with Mr. Donnelly's design. 



The table " Cost per Ton of Lifting Power" on page 65 of the paper is a most 

 interesting one, but inasmuchas the government dock Dewey was designed with 10,000 

 pounds unit stress instead of 12,000 as used for the "All Steel Pontoon Dock," 

 it is apt to produce a slightly erroneous impression in the minds of those prone 

 to criticise government methods. The difference in unit stresses allowed in each 

 case eliminates at least a portion of the difference in per ton costs and the remainder 

 of this difference is accounted for by the peculiar requirements of the naval service. 



The Chairman : — Anything further, gentlemen ? If not, we will pass this paper 

 and I am quite sure I express your opinion when I say Mr. Donnelly is entitled 

 to your thanks for a most interesting paper. 



" Our Constitutional Shipping Policy and the Compact for its Establishment," 

 by Mr. WiUiam W. Bates, Member, is our next paper. It will be read by the grand- 

 son of the author. 



The Secretary: — Mr. President, I would like to state, in regard to Mr. Bates' 

 paper, that he wrote saying he could not read it himself, and requested that his 

 grandson read the paper. 



It was moved, seconded and carried unanimously that the paper be read and 

 incorporated in the proceedings. 



