The Sun.
London, England, 1852-09-28 00:00:00

TUESDAY

_LON 00N,

TRIALS OF ANCHORS AT SHEERNESS.
FOURTH SERIES OF EXPERIMENTS.
STEAM TRIAL PLAN.
The Committee of Management, presided over by
the Hon. Montagn Stopford, acting commodore and
senior officer of the port, assembled at the dockyard at
shortly half-past
afterwardsei gli eight, a ae, , on Tuesday, the 14th instant, and
embarkede'aY' d
on board the Lizard
steamer and proceeded to the Wore. The competing
anchors, eight in number, had been previously placed
on two dockyard lighters esnecially selected for the oc-
casion, and towed by the African and Adder steamers
to the scone of operations. Here the lighters, with
standing gear attached to each, were moored in an ave-
rage depth of water a quarter less thirteen fathoms, the
African and Adder being berthed outside of them.
To the outside catheads of the steamers the opposing
anchors were affixed, with stoppers ready to be cut at a
given signal, the ends of a chain cable 371 fathoms in
length, previously hove throngh an iron-bound single
sheave-block, being attached to the anchors. The
steamers, of the joint power of 229 horses, were lashed
to the lighters, one on each side thereof, and on the
anchors being let go (a sufficient time being allowed for
their reaching the ground) were propelled astern at full
speed, the power being kept on the pendant of 23 fathoms
attached, for the purpose of testing the holding proper-
ties of the anchors at long scope of cable.
The necessary prelim:nasies having been gone through,
the anchors, in accordance with the drawing for stations,
were assigned the following positions:—
Port. Starboard.
1. Rodger'(Exhibition prize) 1. Aylen's
2. Hombalt's (Porter's) 2. G. W. Lenox's
3. Trotwan's (improved Por- 3. Admiralty (new)
ter's) 4. Mitciaesou and Son's
4. Isaacs' (American)
Everything being ready, the trials commenced, and
wore proceeded with in the order here given. Lieute-
nant Rodgers' Exhibition prize anchor being opposed to
Mr. Aylen's. On steam power being applied Aylen's
was run up to th© block, when it was discovered not to
have taken the ground, owing, it was supposed, to the
strain being applied too quickly after its being let go,
hence the committee decided that this should be consi-
dered as no trial. The men employed on board the
lighter were so panic-stricken that they omitted to cut
the stopper of Aylen's anchor until after Rodgers' had
been let go, the strain of the latter in full run bringing
Aylen's to the block. Mr. Honiball's (Porter's) was
next put in competition with Mr. G. W. Lenox's ;
this trial occupied two hours and three minutes, and
was a severe one. Lenox's was drawn one link and a
half of chain in twenty minutes. At length, after a
protracted struggle. Honiball's was brought up to the
block, but not until after a large warp had been broken,
and the mooring lighter (from the heavy strain caused
by the steamers backing at full speed with a tide in
their favour, at two-and-a-half knots per hour), was
pinned down four feet by the head. With this termi-
nated the first day's trials of the present species, the
various persons engaged therein returning to Sheerness
in the Adder and Lizard; the African, with thelighters,
remaining at the Nore.
SECOND DAY'S TRIALS, SEPT. 15.
The parties interested embarked in the steamers ap-
propriated to their use at nine A.M. On arriving at the
Nero the experiments were resumed. Mr. Trotman's
(improved Porter's) anchor being pitted against the
Admiralty anchor constructed on the plan of Sir W.
Parker, which resulted in the latter being brought home
to the block at the first trial at long scope of cable.
Mr. Isaacs' American anchor was then tested with
Mitcheson and Son's; the inferior holding power of the
former was evinced by its being drawn up to the block
at the long scope on the first trial.
Further operations were now suspended, it being
necessary to allow time for the placing of the winning
anchors in new positions for testing. This was effected
during the ensuing day, under the superintendence of
Mr. J. Aylen, the master-attendant, whose exertions and
perseverance throughout the whole or the experiments
have been most praiseworthy.
THIRD DAY'S TRIALS, SEPT. 17.
The operations commenced this morning at the usual
hour with a further trial between Mr. Aylen's and Lieu-
tenant Rodgers' Exhibition prize anchors. In this case
full steam power was employed with 184 fathoms bite of
chain through the block on each anchor cast in 11
fathoms water, with a tide in favour of 2f knots, the
steamers backing at the rate of 3f knots. The competing
anchors held firmly. On sighting the block Aylen's
was found to have gained an advantage of ono fathom
over its rival. The committee then proposed that the
steamers should go ahead for a short distance, and after-
wards astern at full speed. During the trial Commodore
Stopford superintended the steering of the steamers in
order to prevent any undue advantage being given to
either anchor by steerage way. The heavy strain brought
upon the gear caused the lighter to be pinned down up-
wards of three feet. Shortly afterwards, the steamers
working together up to 220-horse power, Rodgers' an-
chor came home, Aylen's not having started from its
original position at long scope of cable. The trial was a
most interesting one, the strain on the gear having
been greater than in any of the preceding cases. At long
scope the advantage of Aylen's anchor over its compe-
titor was so trifling, that both were considered equal in
holding power, and it was not until after a most severe
struggle at short stay peak that Rodgers' anchor gave
way.
The two rival anchors of Trotman and Mitcheson had
now to be tested against each other. Two trials were
afforded them at long scope of cable, the full power of
the steamers being put on, without the one showing
superior holding power to the other. At the first trial
at short stay peak both held on; at the second, however,
Mitcheson's was brought up the block minus one-half of
grooves, the stock, which being constructed of two separate parts
shipped into
is supposed to the shank
to havetail ves
ksp
beenroo,
in dove
causedth
the breaking
aking
of the stook the
anchor embedding itself in the ground. In consequence
of this circumstance the committee decided that Mr.
Mitcheson's anchor should be further tried with
its competitor, if Mr. Mitcheson chose to re-
place that portion of the stock which was carried
away. Further operations were then suspended until
the following morning. Scarcely, however, had the
committee arrived at the Nore when it was deemed
advisable, owing to the threatening appearance of the
weather, to return to port, and to defer the continua-
tion of the experiments until Monday, the 20th instant.
FOURTH DAY'S TRIALS, SEPT. 24.
At 9.30 A.M. the African and Adder steamers pro-
ceeded to the Nore, with the lighter in tow, on board
which the anchors and gear had been placed. The Lizard
steamer, with the committee of management, followed
shortly afterwards to superintend the further experi-
ments. Lieutenant Rodgers' Exhibition prize anchor
had during the present series been twice placed in com-
petition with Mr. Aylen's anchor, proving victorious in
one instance, and being beaten in the other. In order,
therefore, to determine which possessed the greater
holding properties, a third trial took place between
them, which resulted greatly in favour of Lieutenant
Rodgers'.
Mr. G. W. Lenox's anchor having now become next
best to Lieutenant Rodgers', it became necessary to op-
pose these to each other. Both having been let go at
the same time, the steam power was applied, when
Lenox's brought its rival up to the block. The steamers
Lizard and Adder then returned into port, the African
remaining at the Nore in charge of the lighter.
FIITH DAY'S TRIALS, SEPT. 25.
The experiments were resumed this day at 10 A.X.,
and commenced with a farther trial of Mitcheson's and
Trotman's anchors, which resulted in Trotman's being
speedily brought home.
On reference td the result of the 17th inst., it will be
seen that Mr. Trotman's anchor, after a severe contest
of some hours, brought Mr. Mitcheson's home with a
broken stock. This having been repaired at the dock-
yard, the two rivals were again placed in competition.
A struggle was expected, but from some cause, possibly
the mere accident of the ono anchor falling on its stook-
end and the other on its pee, in which position the mo-
mentum imparted by the two steam-tugs backed at full
speed is suddenly brought to bear upon them, whereby
no chance is given for the canting of the one anchor, the
few fathoms of chain fly through the block, and in a very
short spaceof time all contest is at an end. The resultthus
far is in favour of Mitcheson's; in the former instance
to Trotman's, which makes it, so far as these trials at the
Nore are concerned, a drawn affair. Should a farther
trial between these anchors be decided on, circumstances
may afford a better opportunity for deciding which of
them is the best.
Mr. Mitcheson's anchor was then pitted against Mr.
G. W. Lenox's, the latter holding equally with its
competitor. At short stay peak, ,however, Lenox's
yielded to its rival—in fact, broke the ground first.
The four trial plans, in accordance with the sugges-
tions of the committee of naval officers and shipowners,
have thus been fully carried out, whereby the holding
properties quickness in taking the ground, tripping, &c.,
of the competing anchors have been subjected to every
available test that the means at disposal would admit.
The results cannot fail to afford many valuable hints for
the further improvement of this instrument, which ought
to be the most perfect within the powers of human in-
vention, more especially with reference to its peculiar
and important uses. On the anchor the safety of our
ships and their crews, when riding in furious gales,
mainly depends. The possibility of improving it, or
imparting to it that firmness and durability of construc-
tion which the trying nature of its services so imperi-
ously requires, is a matter worthy the serious attention
of scientific men. He who can render it the most per-
fect will confer a great boon on the maritime portion of
the community and on humanity.
A most important property appertaining to the rival
anchors—that of strength—has yet to be ascertained.
For this purpose they are to be taken to Woolwich,
there to be subjected to hydraulic pressure until broken.
The labours of the committee will then terminate, with
the exception of drawing up their report, which, from
the important positions they fill, cannot fail to be charac-
terised by the considerations duo to the high interests
involved.
The following account of the results of the various ex-
periments
will afford our readers a correct idea of the
holding qualities of the several competing anchors:—
FIRST SERIES OF EXPERIBIENTA (AT THE DOCKYARD).
Trotmet. beat Rodgers (Exhibition prize),
Admiralty
(new), Honiball (Porter's), Rodgers' stream kedge, Ad-
miralty (new). 6 cwt. heavier.
Hoeiball best Aelen, Mitcheson.
Miteheson beat Isaacs (American), Admiralty (new),
Rodgers'. stream kAige, G. W. Lenox, Aylen.
Rodgers' beat Aylen, Admiralty (now).
Aylen beat Admiralty (new) Isaacs (American).,
Admiralty (new) beat G. W. W• Lenox.
SECOND 'SERIES OF EXPERIMENTS (ON THE BEACH AT
GARRISON POINT).
Trotman beat Aylen, G. W. Lenox, Honiball, Ad-
miralty (new).
an) Mitcheson.
Ilona-eat beat Isaacs (Americ •
Mitcheson beat Rodgers (Exhibition prize).
It idgere heat Aylen (second trial).
Ayleu beat Rodgers (first trial).
G. W. Lenox beat Admiralty (bow).

THIRD SERIES OF EXPERIMENTS (AT BLOCK STASES

IN THE MEDWAY).
Trotman beat Aylen, G. W. 1.43110 X.
Rodgers beat Admiralty (new).
Mitcheson beat Rodgers (Exhibition prize), Honiball,
Trotraan.
Aylen beat G. W. Lenox.
G. W. Lenox beat Isaacs (American).
FOURTH SERIES OF EXPERIMENTS--STEAM TRIAL (AT

THE NORE),
Trotman bent Ad mirr.lty (new), Mitcheson (first trial).
Mitcheson bpst lioniball, Isaacs (American), Trotman
:second trial), Lenox.
Aylen beat Rodgers (Exhibition prize—at second trial).
Rodgers (Exhibition prize) beat Ay
bird trial). Aylen (at first and

EXTENSIVE CONFLAGRATION.
NEWCASTLE• ON-TYNE, MONDAY... The extensive
works of Messrs. Christian Alihueson and Co., well
known in the commercial world as the Tyne Soap
and
Alkali Works, on the south bank of the river, near this
town, have been injured by fire to a serious extent.
Shortly after nine o'clock yesterday morning a more
than usual quantity of smoke was observed to proceed
from the buildings wherein the operations for the manu-
facture of alkali are carried on, but apprehension of
danger was not excited until the flames burst forth
with ungovernable fury, about an hour afterwards. In-
telligence was immediately
Convoyed to the different fire-
offices in Newcastle and Gateshead, and in a short
time no loss than six engines were upon the
spot. Water was plentiful, supplied from the river
and from the elevated reservoir of the Whittle
Dean Water Company, but it appeared to have
little power in overcoming the devouring element.
Every now and then explosions occurred, which indi-
cated the commingling vitriol
ofwith the burning mass ;
and in order to preserve, if
- Possible, the buildings,
which occupy nearly three acres in area, from destruc-
tion, a large reservoir, capable of containing some
thousands of cubic feet, was tapped and its contents let
off into the river. A vast concourse of spectators was
drawn together, who watched the progress of destruction
effected with intense and painful interest. Every effort
was made by the workmen of the establishment, in
number about 1,000, by the spectators, and by the po-
lice, to check the conflagration, but unavailingly,
for it
continued until the whole of the Combustible materials
within its range had been consumed, and this morning
the engines are still playing upon the rains. The da-
mage is variously estimated from ten to twenty thousand'
pounds. The fire, it is supposed, commenced in a com-
partment occupied in the first process of manufacture.
Tho works are insured in several offices,
but some weeks
must elapse before the workmen will be enabled to re-
sume operations.

GREAT EARTIIQUKAE IN CUBA.
(From the Mobile Register.)
By a gentleman who arrived as a passenger in the
Black Warrior, at this port, Thursday evening, we
have a copy of the Diaris de la Marina,
journal at Havannah, of Tuesday last, the 31st ult.,
in which a full account is given of an awful and dis-
astrous earthquake which occurred at the city of San-
tiago de Cuba, and in that part of the island, on the
20th and 21st ult. From the Diario we translate the
following extract of its account, "to the latest hour,"
of this dreadful visitation : the official
" The city of Santiago de Cuba Was visited, on the
20th, by a terrific earthquake, unequalled for its dis-
astrous ravages in the recollection of the oldest inha-
bitants. Families took refuge in neighbouring plan-
tations, haciendas, ships, public equares, fields, and
_
streets, struggling to escape from impendin—
g ruin—l
buildings falling around them in all directions. The
entire city exhibits a most heart-rending
Picture. On
all sides were to be seen the search of fathers, hus-
bands, children, wives, and mothers, offering up
lamentations and prayers to the Throne of Mercy,
and uniting their thanksgivings, when fortunate
enough to encounter each other, amid the scene
waili
of terror. Groans, orisons, and their
ngs re-
sounded from every quarter. In every street were
seen crumbling walls, cornices of tuildings, and tum-
bling structures. Every house to a greater or less
degree felt its influence. Many were left in a dila-
pidated condition—numerous others totally uninhabi-
table. Much cause of gratitude that, under such
In the midst
affliction, only an occasional lossof life.
of the panic always attendant or succeeding such a
calamity accounts vary, and are either short of reality
or greatly exaggerated. Everything, the slightest
noise, rumour. or movement, became cause of fresh
alarm and flight. The most violent shocks were
felt at half-past three P.M., thirty minutes after five
P.M., nine row., and one ',A.M. Another, very violent,
at a quarter-past three A.M., and another at four
a.m., when the atmosphere became very dark, con-
tributing much to increase the alarm. Next day,
weather dark, rainy, and exhibited a most appalling
aspect, drawing prayers from the populace, who from
the first shock crowded the temples (only to be driven
from them by the repetition of increasing shocks),
where every religious demonstration of worship and
processions was observed. The priests addressed the
multitude from public squares and other places. Now,
eight o'clock A,111., consternation unabated, and tor-
rents of rain add to the distress.
"El Redactor of 22d, in addition to the foregoing,
which it confirms, adds, that the shipping anchored
in the harbour are yet occupied by families who took
shelter in them, and received every kindness and
consideration demanded by their unfortunate condi-
tion. It says, all the vessels, both Spanish and fo-
reign, have vied with each other in this work of
humanity, but expresses much indignation at the con-
duct of the American ship John Straund, whose
captain it represents as refusing any aid, and order-
ing his planks to be drawn in so as to shut out from
the terror-stricken fugitives the refuge they sought.
Prisoners of distinction remain in the guard-room of
the public prison, whence they were conducted with
others to her Majesty's steamer Blasco de Garay,
which vessel, as well as the Charuca, the only two in
port, were occupied in like manner with the merchant-
men. Loss estimated at one to one and a half million
of dollars, exclusive of minor damage sustained by
plantations and villages, concerning
which all accounts
as yet are vague and confused.
" Letters received from Saltadero state that the
shock was seriously felt there.
" At Baracoa, also, the steamer General Armen,
which on Friday should have left that port for Ha-
vannah, and was due yesterday, had not arrived,
although it is thought probable that the authorities
had detained her to render assistance to the sufferers."

ENCOUNTER IN THE
S. T. HELENA, Aua. 14.—0 n the 19th of June,
while. her Majesty's brigantine Dolphin was lying in
the. river Congo, an American brig the Mary Ade-
the ground, and in a few minutesr
line,attempted the passage up the river, but on reach-
ingCO,NGO RIVER.
Shark's Point (a position of great danger, owing
to the strong currents sweeping she touched
and surf
imbedded. her fast ashore. The danger of the brig
was instantly observed by the Dolphin, which at once
made preparations for her assistance; but while doing
so the master of the vessel in distress, seeing (so
far as himselfi and crew were concerned) that
nothing effectual could be done to get the vessel
afloat, made the distress signal, by hoisting the
otuhnedsigam
American erisitn reversed. Within half an hour of
the disaster 64 brigantine's boats, with anc.hors, haw-
se rs, &c., were alongside the stranded ab=hor
b the
tide falling a: the time, rendered merely prepara-
tory measureo necessary for heaving off the following
day. To the surprise of all, on the following morning
the river was crowded with canoes, from 10 to 40
natives in each, all armed, and at least two-thirds
with muskets. Their movements left no doubt as to
their predatory and hostile intentions. A boat'
i 8 gun
with ammunition was sent on board, and fitted n the
brig. The Dolphin, as soon as circumstances could
admit, tock up a position within gun range for her
protection. The natives appeared determined not to
lose 0161 prey, and poured a fire of musketry into
.the stranded vessel, and brought their scaling ladders
in front, evidently determined on boarding. Under
these circumstances the Dolphin opened a fire of shot
and shell, and in a little time cleared the beach of
the assailants, whose number must have exceeded
3,000. This being done, the next object was to get
the trig off, and, accordingly,
.every endeavour was
made to do so. On the evening. of this day (the
20th) her Majesty's steam-ship F.irefly arrived, and
sent her boats to assist. During the night the
natives, who had merely retired to the bush, again
returned to the beach and fired a few muskets on the
brig, but without injury. On the morninglof
~the
21st a movement on the part of the natives again
took place. They appeared to concentrate and medi-
tate a second boarding attack; but a shot from the
Dolphin fortunately again dispersed them. The surf
rolled in heavily during the day, increasing conside-
rably the difficulties and dangers of the necessary
operations, so much so that the Dolphin's cutter and
crew were capsized by the rollers, and one man se-
riously injured. Finding it necessary, on the 22d, to
completely lighten the brig, the cargo was transferred
to the Dolphin, and by great industry and exertion,
the brigantine succeeded in heaving the Mary Ade-
line off at 6.30 P.M. Every credit is due to Mr.
Oaksmith, master of the Mary Adeline, for his con-
stant exertions, correct judgment, and cool deter-
mined conduct, under these trying and dangerous
circumstances.--St. _Helena Chronicle.

CURIOUS LEGEND.—The Church
iof England Ma-
gazine of this month has a very interesting notice of Swaff-
ham Church, Norfolk. In describing the north aisle and
tower, built by John Chapman, a wealthy parishioner, who
was churchwarden in 1462, the following curious tradition is
related :—" The said John Chapman was a tinker, who came
by his money in the following manner. He dreamed that if
he went to London-bridge he would hear news greatly to his
advantage. Having gone thither, he was, after walking about
for two hours, accosted by a man, who asked him what he
wanted, to which he replied that he came there on the vain
errand of a dream. The man thereupon. rejoined, Alas!
good friend, if I had heeded dreams, I might have proved
myself as very a fool as thou hest, for 'tis not long since I
dreamed that, at a place called Swaffham, in Norfolk, dwells
John Chapman, a pedlar, who hath a tree at the back of his
house, under which is buried a pot of money !' On hearing
this, John Chapman hastened home, and digging under the
4 tree, fond two large vote of money."