Copyright USGenNet Inc., 2014 All Rights Reserved USGenNet Data Repository Please read USGenNet Copyright Statement on this page: Transcribed and submitted by Linda Talbott for the USGenNet Data Repository http://www.us-data.org/ =========================================================================== Formatted by USGenNet Data Repository Chief Archivist, Linda Talbott All of the above information must remain when copied or downloaded. =========================================================================== THE LUDINGTON RECORD, Ludington, Michigan Thursday, January 19, 1882 VOL. XV. OLD SERIES, NO. 20 VOL. II NEW SERIES, NO. 35 Fishing continues to be good, but the rapid accumulation of ice off the port the last few days is likely to interfere with the oper- ation of the tugs employed. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE LUDINGTON RECORD, Ludington, Michigan Thursday, January 26, 1882 VOL. XV. OLD SERIES, NO. 21 VOL. II NEW SERIES, NO. 36 OUR HARBOR The question of establishing a harbor of refuge at this point was talked of in the columns of THE RECORD in two or three consecutive numbers during the month of December, 1880, and occasionally in sub- sequent numbers. The claims therein made were more than fully estab- lished by the report of Major Harwood in his reports of the various harbors and their needed improvements. The interest then awakened in the minds of the public in general seems to have taken deep root, as indeed it ought to, for the reason that harbors of refuge established at the most available and most needed points on the lakes has become a necessity. The ever increasing amount of shipping, with all its kin- dred interests calls for such places. Feelings of humanity for those that navigate the lakes demand such places of refuge in time of dan- ger. Of all places situate on the shores of the great lakes, none have a better claim to be selected as such a point than Ludington. Her geographical position, her natural advantages, her every interest, as well as the interest of every vessel owner and shipper on any part of Lake Michigan demand that this point be selected in preference to any other on the shore. By reason of the prevailing westerly winds, and the high land and deep water enjoyed on the Wisconsin side, this side of the lake is feared and shunned and the other side preferred by navigators as they pass up and down the lake. Michigan enjoys but few good harbors to run for in time of real danger, and the shallow water all along the coast makes it a coast to be feared as a lee shore. But a lee shore it frequently and inevitably becomes during stormy weather. Ludington, as can be seen by any map, is placed about half way along the lake, at the foot of a bay, where vessels would naturally run for shelter, if such shelter could be had. In addition to its geographical position, it is the point where the shortest route to the north west connects, being but some 63 miles distance from Manitowoc and consequently the inevitable terminus to railroads seeking such advantages. In addition to this, our harbor is deep and capacious, is rarely blocked with ice even in the depth of winter, and can easily be converted into, and maintained as a harbor of refuge. Its advantages over other harbors on this shore are apparent to the most casual ob- server who has ever had an opportunity to visit other points. About one year ago, petitions were circulated, and received a very hearty support from all interested. In Chicago more especially the lumber merchants and vessel owners who represented millions of dol- lars, promptly signed the petition. This petition contained hundreds of names and was forwarded from this office to Hon. J. A. Hubbell, who in response sent the assurance that he would do all in his power to aid in procuring a just recognition of our claims and a suitable appropriation. The time has now arrived for action, and in conse- quence of this, a meeting was held recently in the council rooms at which Hon. Geo. W. Roby and Eugene Allen were added to the committee. R. F. Dundass had been chosen as a delegate at a preliminary meeting, to proceed to Washington and procure if possible a suitable appro- priation to build the necessary break water and other improvements. There is no doubt but all the delegates will do what is in their power and will bring considerable influence to bear. That they may succeed is undoubtedly the wish of all. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . An expert ship builder was sent about a month ago by the Canadian government to visit all ship yards in Ontario, and examine and inspect vessels there under construction, with a view of introducing an act at the approaching session. He has returned, having visited Kingston, Toronto, Owen Sound, Hamilton, Ports Robertson, Dalhousie, St. Cath- erines and Windsor, and reports an alarming state of affairs. He says vessels and steamers, numbering about fifty, of all sizes up to 1,500 tons were built and put together in the poorest manner, and that near- ly all of them were "coffins." Ship-work, he found, was better done and stronger at Windsor, and next Hamilton, than in other Canadian places visited. He examined some 400 Canadian vessels lying at dif- ferent ports in Canada, and found them of the same grade as at the ship yards, not staunch, unseaworthy. He also examined American ves- sels at Sarnia and Detroit, and found them much superior to Canadian vessels in staunch and seaworthy qualities, although they were not up to standard excellence. The majority of Canadian vessels examined were about half up to American vessels. A few were nearly, but none entirely up to American vessels examined. It has long been suspected that some such state of affairs existed, but the government were not prepared for such sweeping reports. Strict measures, no doubt, will be taken to correct this and prevent the wholesale sacrifice of life that has so long been going on. ===========================================================================