The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1858-12-21
Conversion of Sailing Ships Into War steam-
erf-Lcttcr from Commander Walker, U.
TO ruE EDITOR op rHE ugRALI


TO THE EDITOR OF THE HERALD.
In France and England the question Of adapting the
''screw" TO their fleets OF sail Ships and partca
aTy TO their old lne OF batte ships has awakened the
deepest interest," and has been discussed in all ts bear
Des and in both countries great efforts have been made
to ascertain how this could Do effected at the least
peDse without injury to the sailing qualities other
paces Of the ship and TO determine the best general
plan for the necessary alterations
After series Of most experiments made a. the
naval station, Rochort it found that there were
surmountable obstacles to pacing engine Of bun
dred and hfty horse power board hundred gun
shipn
was next determined to try the experiment with the
Austerlz, ship OF tho class then the
Cherbourg; but utter the maturest consideration, a
boOrd composed o. captains, constructors, and en-
gneers, was compelled to decide that this could
not be done under any reasonable conditions; that
il would be necessary 10 cut her IN tws, and
lengthen her floor that her frame be taken
down and rebuilt, and that after all these great aad
ly alterations promised no satisfactory result
In consequence OF this unfayorabe report the Minister
of Marine Ducos directed that engine of Eve h1ndred
horse power shoud be substituted for haL OF hundred
and fifty horse power which II had been Intended place
board the Austarltz order 10 ascertain if with this
engine Of less weight and dspa cement ana without any
reduction in her battery splrs -oher equipments, il
possible to attain speed OF not less nan and
half knots under steam. the attempt 70 execute the
order Of tho Minister carefully made and the
Of the ship entirely rebuilt with ''wel a. tao
cost Of ss0oo francs but II was found quite impossible TO
comply with all bis requirements IN regard TO tho ars-
meDt and equipment Of the ship.
cannot give any minute detail Of al the partcu.
lars which was found necessary TO deviate
plan OF the Minister, but ascaTtaned the that
her battery had been reduced eighty EIGHT guns, her
munitions Of diminished one folrth and her spars
and sails down to those Of sky gun ship thar she
cannot stow than months water and two
months' supply Of other provisions and that she
has been hghtened by tho removal of
Of hall md Of
and anchors, TO render her stability under sail, after
| the consumption OF her coal, highly probematica
The expedicncy Of alterny ship enable her 20
carry propeller with reasonable prospect OF incro
her general efficiency b question Of far Importance
10 the government Of France and England than to
own government a5 they have great number Of largo
vessels that can perhaps be made available in
way; and their supply Of ship timber Ia comparatively
expensive scanty and uncertain that the construction
of new ships is with them n much serious con-
siderasion than II should be with
Furthermore, old ships Of the line renier good
service receiving ships and in the OF necessity
they would be most valuable aduncts in the defence OF
our bays and haT bors
ample Of the French and British in this particular There
nothing To prevent US, in the construction of navy
nom taking advantage OF all the improvements tha,
science and experience may develop and applyn. them
TO new ships designed with special reference 10 their
PRODUCTION.
That dficult problem-,he construction Of a perfac
man of war-wouid thus be approached under tho
favorable circumstances, and with the best prospect
solution; and We should avoid the great expense 0.
making extensive notifications in old hulks without
| any reasonable hope Of a satisfactory result,
Unfortunately, sir strong national pride demands for
navy the watchfu care, the liberal and seaast sup
rort essential not only 10 It's pre- emincncc but 10 IT,
prominence upon the main.
Protacied we have heretofore been by broad ocean
now narrowed by steam. aud un,anght yet by any
great humiliaton have adopted system q naya,
policy.
intermittent attack Of pride or apprehension In.
duces from time 10 time 10 launch fcw ships but no
earnest comprehensive review OF the navy 10 IS,
contrast Of It's feebencss with the strength Of the
naves OF the world study Of Its adaptation 20 lbs
rious uses speculation upon tho may be
qured 10 perform persistent efor in ~ behalf any
particular, appears 10 engage our public men.
Unity OF purpose therefore, docs exist and general
plan wanting the minds OF those who leesate upon
the subject System IS hence needed, system embrac.
ing fitness q design, grace and symmetry In detail
my and ,fciepcy in the whole.
And yet while thus unfosered and neglected ai every
opportunity the national genius asserts s power iii.
fully from time 10 time, attracts to our marine the adm
ration cf the world.
ConteIi with such displays, sluygshly relapse and
permit rivals again 10 excel in the and %
compel ns often To resort 10 them for instruction. In
the science of steam navigation, the very rudments Of
which they learned from us. m. W.