bridge to Sandy Hook Island.

Twice during the last century it has tried to get away from the
mainland.

In 1870, the New Jersey Southern Railway laid a track along the west
beach for a distance of three miles.

This trestle is now the only connecting link between the island and the
mainland, the water for more than a year having been washing away the
neck of land which joined Sandy Hook to the coast-line.

The War Department owns part of the Hook. A proving-ground for guns,
armor, etc., has been established there.

The Assistant Secretary of War has sent word to Speaker Reed asking that
a joint resolution be passed to enable the Department to protect its
property.

An appropriation of $75,000 was set aside some time ago to repair the
breach made by the sea at the Hook, but the work could not be commenced
until certain laws had been complied with, and the consent of New Jersey
had been secured, or Congress had passed a resolution instructing the
War Department to proceed with the work.

It will be a great advantage to the Government to close the inlet, as
the heavy guns can then be transferred to the proving-grounds on the
Hook by a railroad built on solid ground, and not liable to give way
under their extreme weight.