DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND LABOR, SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the progress of the work of the coast and geodetic survey in the Philippine Islands from September 10, 1902 (the date of the last report), to August 31, 1903. FIELD WORK. Port Galera.-A survey was made of Port Galera and Varadero Bay, the only protected anchorages on the north coast of Mindoro. The harbor was found to be larger than the old charts had indicated. Mangarin.-A survey was made of the vicinity of Mangarin, near the south end of Mindoro. A dangerous rock in the north end of Ilin Strait, on which several vessels have struck, was located. Danao River mouth.-A survey was made of the lower part of this river and its entrance. This forms the only protected harbor in the northern part of Negros Island. Capiz.-A survey is now in progress of the anchorage off Capiz, and the bays to the westward along the north coast of Panay. Iloilo. A survey is now in progress of the eastern entrance to Iloilo, which was very incompletely shown on the old charts. Lingayen Gulf.-The survey of this large and important body of water was completed in July. A protected anchorage previously unsurveyed was developed in the western part of the gulf, and a deeper channel than known was found, leading from the gulf into Bolinao Harbor. The islands in the western part and the banks at the entrance to the gulf were found to have been very incorrectly charted. Two chartered launches were used in this work. Northwest coast of Luzon.-A continuous topographic survey with triangulation has been carried along the northwest coast of Luzon from San Fernando to Cape Bojeador and eastward along the north coast of Luzon, and in a few weeks it is expected that this work will be completed as far as Aparri. The topography includes the actual coast line and the towns and highways near the coast, and all prominent landmarks. The triangulation furnishes the position of a large number of marked points, serving as a framework for this survey as well as further surveys. Manila Bay. A triangulation has been carried across Manila Bay, locating prominent points around the bay, the islands at the entrance, and hills and mountains around the bay. This triangulation may be extended to the southward the length of the Archipelago. Lagonoy Gulf.-A general survey of this gulf, commencing at Tabaco, is now in progress. San Pedro Bay and south coast of Samar.-Commencing at Tacloban, a general survey of San Pedro Bay was made and extended to the eastward to include the entire south coast of Samar. This latter coast was very difficult on account of the numerous coral reefs with which it is lined. Southwest coast of Leyte.-A survey was made of the important passage between Leyte and Bohol. Carmen rock, which has been reported to be in the middle of this channel and a serious menace to navigation, was proved not to exist in the position reported, and it probably is identical with a rock near the coast, which was located. Geographic positions.-The work of determining the latitudes and longitudes of important base points has been continued throughout the year, and the following places have been determined: Calapan, Mindoro, Boac, Marinduque, Romblon, Calbayog, Samar, Carigara, Leyte, Vallehermosa, Negros, Loon, Bohol, Iligan, Mindanao, Cagayan, Mindanao and Surigao, Mindanao. Additional longitude connections have also been made at Batangas and Tacloban, furnishing a check on a series of longitude determinations. Determinations of longitude through the new Pacific cable are now in progress, and when completed will furnish a value of the longitude of Manila from the United States. Magnetic observations have been made at 12 places to supply information needed for the charts. Where practicable meridian lines have been laid out or azimuths determined. Tidal observations have been made at 14 stations, and at Manila this record is continuous throughout the year. Personnel. The above field work has been carried out under charge of the following chiefs of parties: J. J. Gilbert, assistant, general survey work with steamer Pathfinder; J. E. McGrath, assistant, astronomical determinations; W. B. Fairfield, assistant, topography and triangulation; William Bowie, assistant, hydrography and triangulation with chartered launch; H. F. Flynn, assistant, topography and triangulation; H. C. Denson, assistant, hydrography and topography with chartered launch; R. B. Derickson, assistant, general surveys with steamer Research; H. C. Mitchell, assistant, astronomical determinations; J. S. Hill, aid, astronomical determinations. Steamers.-The coast and geodetic survey steamer Pathfinder has continued at work in the islands, except for the time used in docking and overhauling, and working up office work. The surveys above mentioned on the coasts of Samar and Leyte were carried out by this vessel; also a line of soundings was made between Luzon and Formosa. The Pathfinder is now engaged on work on the southeast coast of Luzon. The coast and geodetic survey steamer Research has continued at work throughout the year except for the time required for repairs and docking. An appropriation was made August 12, 1903, by the Philippine Commission for an additional survey steamer. OFFICE WORK. At the Manila office of the survey, located in the Intendencia Building, the various work necessary for equipping and supplying the field parties and making the results of th work available to the public has been carried on. |