New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1863-02-27
Tho Stevens battery.

The following proposition has been made 70 tn
Secretary of the Navy. and, he responding that III
has no power TO act in the matter, we understand
it is TO DO forthwith submitted to CoDgres5
HoBoKrs, Feb a. 1868.
Hon. GIDxos WsLLRs, Secretary of me Nary
SiR see by tho pubic press that the Govern
meut IL about to construct several large sea-Scng
ircn-clad ships of war. These vessels arc intended,
rs ! understand, to be about tho sams leugth and
size as tie Stevens Battery; and one Of them now
under contract with Mr.. Webb Of New-York, it is
said, will cost si,OOO.OOO.
propose 10 relieve the Government Of all risk "a
to tie OF at loet one Of these vessels by Oh
ligai g myself to complete tho Stevens Battery,
and deliver her ready for service, on the following
terms, viz:
|. That she shall be impenetrable to tho most de-
siructive missile fired from the most powerful gun
with its ordinary service charge now used in our
own or in any European naval service, to be tried
upon her at short range-say 900 yards.
=. That she shall have greater speed than any
other iron.clad war steamer in the world.
3. That she shall be more manageable, and more
quickly turned and Unanswered than any other large
armed sea-going steamer.
throwing brosdsido at least equal TO that Of any
ship now anoat.
s. That she shall be delivered to the Govern.
ment, complete and ready for service, within nine
months from the time the order is given for the sum
OF 81, 100000, but no payments will be required
until she shall be ready for delivery; provided, how
ever that the performance by OF these conditions
is not TO rest upon theoretical opinions, but ar
desired shall be brought to practical tests-ho test
of her sea going qualities to be voyage to Charles
ton Bar and back to New York haIbOr.
The conditions attached TO this Offer if fulfilled,
would make the chip the most powerful and efficient
WIZ steamer in the world, a, cost to the Govern
ment lar lees than that of the Warrior or La Glore,
or than that Of any other ship Of tho same size and
quality. She could also DO completed in less than
half the time it would require to build new ship
II she should prove q failure, the whole loss Tails
upon me, and not upon tue Government.
Or will transfer tho vessel TO the Government as
size now siands-having her hull, boilers engines,
and machinery nearly all complete-for her cost to
me SAY $3.50 600; provided she is then finished by
them on my general plan. | estimate she would
then cost tho Government in all 81 100000.
This arrangement would give tho Government the
benefit Of the $500 900 heretofore expended by them
on tho ship, AMI which WIS relinqushed by the
action Of the last Congress IA will be seen from
the last offer, 10 not propose to mako any prom,
out of the Government, hut desire tho completion oil
the yessel for the National good and to protect The
reputation Of nay brother aud myself from tho DIS
credit Of any failure that she may be completed on
our plans. that we mas not be held responsible for
the success OF the plans Of olbers. ~,
Z. A. STEVENS.
P.S.-If time is of great importance to the Gov
ernmeni the vessel could be comp letsd in much less
time. but Of course at IN increased cost