Mr. LeBlOND. Yes, sir, it wasfresh water; and that gives me a very decided advanta over many gentlemen here. [Renewed lang ter.] Mr. Speaker, the real issue before this House is whether it is to the advantage of the Government to continue at Philadelphiathe navy yard which is now located there, or, to remove it to League Island, a distance of about 7 miles. Of course, when this subject came before the ComNavAffrs, there were also piesented the advantages and disadvantages of ague Island as reasons why the committee should report favorably or untavorably in ref erence to this change. League Island, some 600 acres in extent, is tendered to the Government free of charge for the purposes of a naval station. The citizens of Illiiladelphia are anxious that the navyard should be removed from their midstto this place, and many.of the Government officials ask that the change may be made, for the reason that no more territory can be acquired where the navy yard is now located to meet the additional requirements of the service in consequence of the increase of the Navy. The ComNavAffrs, after having examined this question, both by personal in spection of the site and by the taking of the testimony of many witnesses, have come to the conclusion that it would be to the advantage of the Government to change the'location of this navy yard from Philadelphia to League Island. And hence they have directed the Gentfrom Pennsylvania [Mr. KELLEY] toreport to the House the bill now under consideration. Now‘, I do not see that the proposition re‘ ported from the committee and the proposition submitted by the Gentfrom Connecticut hMr. Baasnsoss] conflict stall with each other is proposition is that a commission shall be appointed to examine all these sites for a naval station and report which, in their judgment, is the preferable site. Gentlemen seem to have got the idea thatif the proposition reported from the committee be adopted by Congress that will preclude any action in regard to establilshing a navy yard at any other point than Leaguelsland. That idea, I think, is entirely erroneous. This Congress may adopt both propositions, for they do not conflict With each other. In the proposition reported from the committee we are simply called upon to determine whether or not it will be to the advan tage of the Government to remove the navy yard from its present location at I’hiladel his to League Island, the land at League Is and bein iven to the Government by the citizens of Pifladelphia. The other proposition is simply to appoint commissioners to examine all these sites and report upon their availability for the purposes of a navy yard. It may be found necessary to have another navy yard. The proposition of the committee is not to create or establilsh a new navy yard, but to change the location of one already established. If the proposition of the Gentfrom Connecticut should be adopted as an independent proposition, the commissioners may make tieir examination and if the find that it will be for the interests of the nvy that another navy yard should be established at NewLondon, they can report in favor of that, and the government can go and build one there should it be deemed advisable to do so. That is my understanding of the true position of the question now before the House for their action at this time.